See below for the thoughts of Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll in advance of this weekend's Test match against Australia.

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL:

- ON TAKING ON THE WALLABIES -

"Australia are probably the smartest team in the world. They have been for a number of years. They've had changes in personnel but the core of their team has remained the same for the last seven or eight years.

"They give you space and then close it down. They're good at ruck time and pinch a lot of ball. We'll have to use a different variety of moves and try to break them down that way.

"But we'll also have to play what's in front of us on the day. As drift defences go they're one of the best. There seems to be loads of room and all of a sudden it's gone.

"They were one of the first teams in the 1990s to put a defensive system together. Years of work have gone into it, so it's very strong."

- ON THE CHANGES TO THE IRISH TEAM -

"Bossy (Isaac Boss) is playing very well for Ulster this year and he showed what a threat he is last week. That's his game, he snipes very well. Denis and Geordan bring a wealth of experience to the side.

"It does show we have strength in depth - I don't think the team is weakened at all. Lads are getting their opportunities now and it's a nice place to be at.

"We haven't let last week's win go to our heads - we're not a team of 15-year-olds. There's a hell of a lot of maturity in this side."

...O'Driscoll holds court in Killiney...

- ON THE AUSTRALIAN MIDFIELD -

"Australia are trying different combinations, a little like ourselves. This will be their third different centre pairing in three games. They want to see who gels with who.

"You know what you're getting with (Stirling) Mortlock and (Lote) Tuqiri. They're both very strong, physical players.

"Stirling has a good slight of hand and there have been times when he's been the best centre in the world. He would cause anyone headaches. He's one of the best passers in the game and that's part of the thinking of playing him at 12. Guys like him can play anywhere in the back line.

"Apart from gas he'd have no problem playing on the wing, but at the same time the guy is no slouch.

"Tuquiri is direct but at the same time has great footwork. He's physical in the tackle. A lot of the time he beats his opposite number one-on-one. That's what he thrives on and you have to get double teams on him. Our hands with be full against the two of them, but they'll be thinking the same thing against Darce (Gordon D'Arcy) and myself."

Exclusive Access, Tickets, Competitions and Much More
Click Here