Ireland need games, says O’Driscoll

IT might seem like a nothing game to many, but the importance of tomorrow’s sell-out friendly international against Italy at Thomond Park was highlighted yesterday by captain Brian O’Driscoll.

"This season is all about the World Cup and we need games to build up to the competition. It's the start of the season for us and we are conscious that, despite beating Wales a couple of weeks ago, we need to improve considerably," O'Driscoll said.

"Italy will pose a very different challenge for us. They are not at all like Wales in the way they play . It's very physical, very intense and we certainly will need to keep our focus for the entire game.