Irelands impending summer tour is undoubtedly the most arduous of the home nations end-of-season jaunts, with dates against the all-conquering All Blacks  in Hamilton June 10 and Auckland seven days later  and a one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth on June 24.

OSullivan is well aware that history is against his players prospering Down Under. Ireland have yet to post a win against the All Blacks in 18 meetings  a 10-10 draw at Lansdowne Road in 1973 was the closest they have come to a prized victory.

Their record against Australia offers more encouragement, with seven wins in 24 clashes  three of those were on Australian soil with the most recent success back in 2002 at Lansdowne Road.

But Irish rugbys best season since the dawning of the professional era  with the Triple Crown, European Cup and Celtic League trophies all safely in the vault  has OSullivan and his players brimming with optimism.

OSullivan said: This tour is coming off the back of a long season  what was for most players a very successful one  but everyone is very much switched on to the task at hand.

Playing New Zealand and Australia in their own backyards certainly sharpens the mind. The guys from Munster and Ulster (after their efforts in the European Cup and Celtic League) have come into camp very much on a high and its a great boost for everyone involved.

In turn, we had a very good Six Nations campaign and weve sort of helped each other on the way  the provinces feeding the national side and vice versa.

Weve a tough few weeks ahead of us  taking on New Zealand twice and then Australia on three consecutive Saturdays  but we wouldnt have it any other way.

OSullivans charges began the international season back in November with a 45-7 defeat at the hands of New Zealand, shipping five tries. A week later, the Aussies took a 30-14 victory away from Lansdowne Road.

Having overseen five wins in six outings since that loss to the Wallabies, OSullivan admitted: I know we have the ability to turn those results around  it was early in the season for us and we were missing key players. Weve a much better balance going into these games.

Four years ago, we ran the All Blacks very close (15-6) in the first Test in Dunedin and there is a good deal more experience in our side now. Weve got Brian ODriscoll and Paul OConnell back now  they were both missed in November.

We were very happy with the Six Nations. Yet were aware that we havent won big matches on tour for some time so well be giving it all weve got.

OSullivan has his 30-man touring squad in camp in Limerick this week. They trained on Tuesday at the University of Limerick with Munster lock Paul OConnell a notable absentee.

He sat out the session with ice on the right ankle that troubled him in the lead-up to the European Cup final.