Ireland have come out on top on three of the previous four meetings but in 1996, Samoa stunned them romping to a five-try 40-25 victory at Lansdowne Road.

Most recently, Ireland triumphed comfortably on their first trip to Samoa in 2003, but O’Driscoll is cautious about not taking their opponents lightly this time around.

"We don't have a huge amount of footage on Samoa but we do know some of their personnel, particularly the guys playing in England," said O’Driscoll.

"The one thing you get with Pacific islands teams is huge physicality.

"Their players are capable of putting a hole in you if you run directly at them.

"That being said, you must be aware of the shooters that can come out of their defence on occasion.

"Sometimes you have to play smarter, if their line speed is huge then play the ball behind them.

"But at the same time we shouldn't be afraid to play if the conditions allow us to."