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Brian O'Driscoll: Beating New Zealand would give Ireland an advantage before World Cup

Rugby

Brian O'Driscoll says Ireland will have an advantage heading into the Rugby World Cup next year if they beat New Zealand on Saturday.

The eagerly anticipated clash between the world's top two teams is an opportunity for Ireland to record only their second win against the All Blacks -- and their first on home soil -- following their historic victory in Chicago in 2016.

And according to their former captain, defeating New Zealand in Dublin this weekend would give Ireland a huge boost as they travel to Japan in search of their first World Cup next year.

"Ireland are a difficult team to beat at the Aviva these days so when the All Blacks come into town everyone is going to pay attention," O'Driscoll told ESPN.

"But there will definitely be a feeling that you can get a one-up on someone you could find yourself meeting at some stage in the World Cup, because they're the best team in the world, and from Ireland's perspective that's either going to be at a quarterfinal stage or in the final."

Ireland's entire November series has been building up to the All Blacks clash, with the opening fixtures against Italy and Argentina becoming almost like warm-up games for head coach Joe Schmidt.

Schmidt named a second-string team for his side's exhibition against the Italians in Chicago before Ireland produced an unconvincing performance as they eventually overcame Argentina last weekend.

But as Ireland prepare to face New Zealand before wrapping up their November campaign at home to the U.S. next week, O'Driscoll says the result against the All Blacks is all that matters.

"We won't care about the performance [against New Zealand] if we get a result," O'Driscoll said. "But I know that Joe Schmidt is very process-driven so he will be thinking about how one looks after the other.

"I don't think you can expect to not perform and get a result against New Zealand, that just doesn't happen. You have to be at your best.

"We've only beaten them once in our history but that monkey is off of our backs and I think it will be a real test as to where we are at against them."

Ireland will be boosted by the returning Rob Kearney and Devin Toner against New Zealand, while Garry Ringrose and Dan Leavy also come in at centre and flanker for the injured pair of Robbie Henshaw and Sean O'Brien.

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