Elsom was voted European player of the year last season during his sabbatical at Leinster before returning down under in June to resume his international career.

Now Australia captain, Elsom leads the Wallabies to Croke Park and the second leg of a potential Grand Slam on a high after Saturday's 18-9 victory at Twickenham.

And Elsom is looking forward to locking horns with his former Leinster team-mates Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney.

"It is funny how it works out," smiled Elsom, who has replaced Stirling Mortlock as Wallabies captain.

"I am really looking forward to going back to Ireland. I made a lot of good friends there.

"I had a great time at Leinster. I can't think how I could possibly have had a better time.

"I do regret leaving pretty soon after the Heineken Cup final - I would have liked to stay around for a bit longer."

Elsom was a close observer of Ireland's Grand Slam triumph last season in what was a memorable season for O'Driscoll, Kearney and co who completed the RBS Six Nations and Heineken Cup double.

"Ireland had a great Six Nations. They have a good style and have a lot of players playing well. I can only imagine they will be very difficult,” added Elsom.

"They don't really look to have too many weaknesses. It is going to be a big match."