The Munster pivot aims to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman John Hayes, Scotland's Chris Paterson and Wales' Martyn Williams in reaching 50 Championship matches.

As with Hayes and Paterson, all 49 of O'Gara's appearances to date have been in the 6 Nations. He has started in 39 of those games and been a replacement 10 times.

His 35 victories have given him a 71 per cent success rate and his 522 points have made him the greatest scorer in Championship history.

Hayes will move to 53 6 Nations appearances against Wales, moving him into joint third placed on the all-time list with fellow Irishman Willie-John McBride. Acting Wales skipper, Williams, will leap into fifth place in Dublin when he makes his 51st Championship appearance.

Brian O'Driscoll will join the club on the final weekend if he plays against Scotland.

FIVE/SIX NATIONS 50 CAP CLUB

Country Caps (W-D-L)
1 Mike Gibson Ireland 56 (22-6-28)

2 Jason Leonard England 54 (44-0-10)

3 Willie John McBride Ireland 53 (23-7-23)

4 John Hayes Ireland 52 (38-0-14)

5 Philippe Sella France 50 (33-2-15)

6 Rory Underwood England 50 (32-2-16)

7 Chris Paterson Scotland 50 (15-1-34)

8 Martyn Williams Wales 50 (20-2-28)