The 32-year-old missed the first of Ireland’s four matches – a 10-6 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield –before they head out to New Zealand  with a shoulder injury.

And although O’Driscoll is primed to return, coach Declan Kidney is not going to unnecessarily rush the return of Ireland’s talisman.

But with the memories of Ireland’s disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign still fresh in his mind, O’Driscoll is fully aware of the importance of making the most of their warm-up matches.  

 “I'm feeling pretty fit - when I get onto the pitch I'll be ready for it. I'm in as much need of match practice as any other player," said O’Driscoll who last missed an RBS 6 Nations match for the 2008 trip to Twickenham.

“It's rare enough as an older-generation player that you're 100% fit - there's always something niggling.

“Until I get to play a few games I won't really be at full speed.

“These games are very important. It was well documented that we weren't match-hardened four years ago.

“As a result of that we stumbled in the first few games. We want to make sure we are raring to go when we take on the USA in the first game. Everyone in the 30 will need some pitch time so that they're ready to be called up if need be.”