Final Aussie Test ‘just another game’ for BOD

Results, not revenge, is Brian O’Driscoll’s motivation as he eyes his final Test against the Wallabies tomorrow.

He insisted yesterday his Test exclusion from the winning Lions effort in the summer is no longer an issue for him — and nor should it be for anyone else at this stage.

“It’s just another game, the second of the Joe Schmidt tenure and it’s about how we improve on the first one. It’s not about revenge, that’s nonsense. I played twice against them during the summer. That’s gone and people need to let go of it. I know I have let go of it. It’s just about Ireland now getting the opportunity to play against a side that’s one of the best in the world.”

Australia have underachieved this season, but O’Driscoll isn’t joining the queue of detractors as he prepares to take them on for the last time as a player.

“They’re in a bit of a transition period but they’re still a pretty handy team on their day and they’ve shown that recently,” he said.

“I always like watching them because they’re exciting. When you’ve got guys like Quade Cooper willing to try things and athletes like Israel Folau and Will Genia bossing games then they can make you look silly.

“When you’ve got guys of that calibre, they’re never going to be far away from being a top side.”