And with O’Driscoll being on the losing side against New Zealand on seven occassions, he knows what is required of Declan Kidney’s men if they are to stop the rut this time around.

“You've got to play one of your better games in an Irish jersey collectively, not just seven or eight of us,” added O'Driscoll.

“Everyone has to combine for a really good performance. In the past we've put in good performances for 50 or 60 minutes and not been able to complete the full 80. That's the big test.”

The Leinster outside centre reassured fans he will be fit for the clash despite sitting out Friday’s training after a bout of vertigo on Thursday evening left him feeling dizzy.

With regulars like Paul O’Connell, Stephen Ferris, Rory Best, Jerry Flannery and Keith Earls already ruled out through injury, Kidney will be desperate to get his talisman out on the field.

“I haven't had it [vertigo] for a while,” added O'Driscoll.

“The last real memory of having it was the night we won the Grand Slam and I couldn't go to the dinner. It just came on and I was getting sick that time.

“I just felt a little bit dizzy last night and went to bed and felt a bit better this morning. I took a bit more medication and I'll be grand.”

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Ben Franks, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read
Replacements: Aled de Malmanche, Neemia Tialata, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Zac Guildford

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Andrew Trimble, Ronan O'Gara, Tomas O'Leary, Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll, John Muldoon, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: John Fogarty, Tony Buckley, Dan Tuohy, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Geordan Murphy