Brian O’Driscoll has dismissed talk Ireland are facing a weakened South Africa team on Saturday (Ireland 10/11, South Africa 10/11, the draw 16/1 in the match betting) and insisted his side will have to be at their best to beat the world champions.

The Springboks have beaten just Italy and lost to France, Leicester and Saracens on their current tour of Europe but O’Driscoll has denied talk they will be easy to beat at Croke Park this weekend.

“No, South Africa are not a team in decline,” said O’Driscoll.

“That’s sections of the media trying to wind the South Africans up a little bit. It’s not doing us any favours.”

Ireland have no fresh injury worries ahead of the clash while the tourists have problems throughout their squad and many observers believe the Irish have a great chance of a win, although O’Driscoll is sure will  still prove tough opponents.

“They’re the reigning world champions, have beaten the Lions and won the Tri-Nations,” the Ireland skipper added.

“They lost to France – boo hoo! They won’t be crying about it, they’ll be looking to put it right against us in the last game of what’s been a great season for them.

“If we get the upper hand we’ll say we’ve beaten a very strong South African team.”