O'Driscoll says Elsom made the difference for Leinster,

By Patrick Johnston

EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll hailed Australian back row international forward Rocky Elsom's immense contribution as Leinster beat Leicester to win a first Heineken Cup on Saturday.

"I would say the best player I have ever played with and I have played with many good players," O'Driscoll said of Elsom after the 19-16 victory at Murrayfield.

O'Driscoll, 30, a veteran of 93 caps for his country and about to embark on his third British and Irish Lions tour, has captained and played with the best of his era.

Continuing his gushing assessment of Elsom's man-of-the-match display and performances throughout the tournament, O'Driscoll added: "Lets put it this way, we wouldn't have won the Heineken Cup without Rocky Elsom. He doesn't make many errors and his ball carrying is frightening.

"Irrespective of what happened today Rocky Elsom is the player of the Heineken Cup and you saw the display he produced today, he is just a remarkable player."

The 26-year-old Elsom proved, once again, Leinster's most potent attacking threat. His drive led to team mate Jamie Heaslip scoring their crucial try nine minutes into the second half with flyhalf Johnny Sexton tying the scores with the conversion.

Foolishly Leicester continued to kick to him throughout the match and he sidestepped and handed off opponents with sumptuous ease.

Leinster coach and fellow Australian Michael Cheika added: He (Elsom) has added to our culture, I think he has improved his footie and I think he showed why the Australians want him back."