AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL: IRELAND v AUSTRALIA Venue: Croke Park, Dublin Date: Sunday, 15 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT Coverage: Live coverage on BBC Two, updates on BBC Radio Ulster MW and the BBC Sport website
Donncha O'Callaghan had a disappointing Lions tour
Donncha O'Callaghan says Grand Slam champions Ireland must topple Australia if they are to be considered a genuine force on the world stage.
Victory by more than 15 points would see Ireland replacing the Aussies at number three in the world rankings.
"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," said O'Callaghan.
"Playing Australia is big international for us."
O'Callaghan added:"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 wins against the southern hemisphere teams.
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 season that saw Leinster lift the Heineken Cup, the national team sweep all before them in the Six 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.
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"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 was concluded with the Lions tour, though it turned out to be 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."
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