But O'Driscoll scored three tries in Ireland's 27-25 win in Paris last year.

That victory ended a run of 15 successive defeats for the Irish there.

"History means nothing because Ireland hadn't won in France for 20 years or so and they came last year and won," said French coach Bernard Laporte.

"O'Driscoll wasn't playing in the previous 20 years!"

Ireland managed to win their opening championship match - against Italy a fortnight ago - for the first time for 13 years without the mercurial talent of O'Driscoll.

And his return, along with that of his pacy winger Denis Hickie, has provided a timely tonic to an already buoyant squad.

Laporte described the Irish back line as the best in the world at a news conference on the team's arrival in Dublin.

And there is little doubt Ireland have riches they could only have dreamed about not too long ago.

"It's a good position to be in," admitted scrum-half Peter Stringer. "It was good to get off to winning start and when you've quality guys like Brian O'Driscoll and Denis Hickie coming back, it can only add to your squad.

"It is a bit of a boost. Brian has shown over the last year or two what an exciting talent he is and Denis can score a try from anywhere on the field."