O'Callaghan: We need a big scalp
Donncha O'Callaghan admits Ireland must topple Australia if they are to be considered a genuine force on the world stage.
The northern hemisphere's greatest hopes of preventing the Tri-Nations giants marauding their way across Europe throughout a typically one-sided autumn rest in Dublin.
Grand Slam champions Ireland appear best equipped to redress the balance, starting against the Wallabies tomorrow and continuing with fixtures against Fiji and South Africa.
Victory by more than 15 points at Croke Park would see them replace Australia, the weakest of the southern hemisphere sides, in third place in the world rankings.
The Wallabies have lost twice on their last three visits to Dublin and while they made an impressive start to their Grand Slam tour against England, they start as underdogs tomorrow.
For O'Callaghan the match will indicate whether Ireland deserve to be considered alongside the heavyweights.
"Australia are one of the top three teams in the world," said the Munster second row.
"We hold the Tri-Nations teams in high very regard and it's always a massive scalp if you can pick one of these guys off.
"From our point of view we know that if want to be respected as world force and a team moving forward, you have to pick up w
ns against the southern hemisphere teams.
"Because of what we're looking to achieve, playing Australia is big international for us."
While the Wallabies are rebuilding, there is a settled look to Ireland who have retained 13 players from the team that completed the Grand Slam against Wales in March.
Irish rugby is thriving following a stellar season that saw Leinster lift the Heineken Cup, the national team sweep all before them in the RBS 6 Nations and supply the biggest contingent to the Lions squad.
O'Callaghan insists winning the Grand Slam has made them even hungrier for success.
"The cloud of glory was gone from the first day of pre-season but when you achieve great things like that it gives you a taste for more," he said.
"We know what it's like to experience something special like a Grand Slam and we just want to get back there every time.
"That might sound a bit selfish but winning the Grand Slam was a great feeling that gave the country a massive lift.
"We want to replicate that as much as we can. We want to be selfish and pick up as much silverware as possible."
O'Callaghan's own season climaxed with the Lions tour, though it turned out to de a deflating experience for the 30-year-old.
"The Lions was hugely disappointing for me. I wanted to get into the Test team," he said.
"I was a substitute the first Test and got on for about 12 minutes but wasn't involved after that.
"I made a lot of friends along the way and enjoyed the trip. I was a captain as well, which was a huge honour and something I'll never forget.
"But while I was proud of that, I wanted to play in the Tests and the fact we didn't win made the series it even harder."
