For Brian O'Driscoll the November series should banish any lingering doubts over Ireland's ability to become a genuine force in the Test arena. On the day that the Ireland captain made his most significant statement of intent so far, by signing a new contract with the IRFU until 2011, the centre is hoping this Autumn will also shape the future of a formidable side capable of making an impact at next year's World Cup.

After three defeats in the summer - two narrowly to New Zealand and one to Australia - there were claims from some quarters that Ireland had failed to build on last year's Triple Crown win. The captain disagrees.

Last November there were comprehensive defeats to the All Blacks and Wallabies but one-off wins over Australian and the Springboks in recent years indicate a side who may just need to get into the habit of winning.

O'Driscoll now claims that belief is spreading throughout the squad and is demanding his Triple Crown holders show no fear when facing the Springboks at Lansdowne Road.

"You can't expect to win matches straight up, you have to realise that if you play well you will win. That's what it comes down to," he said. "South Africa won't come here and lie down, allowing us to take over. We have to play well against these sides. They will be confident coming over here as well.

"The inferiority complex against the southern hemisphere is something we're trying to put behind us. Whether it's dead and buried yet we'll soon see.

"We've definitely developed this side over the last two or three years and I have a feeling we've come on from the Six Nations and the summer tour, even though we didn't win there.

"There has always been a core of guys who believed they could win those big games, but now there are more guys who believe it," says the 27-year-old.

"It's when you get that total belief from one to 15 that you do it more consistently and that's what we need to do - we need to beat these big sides more consistently if we're to do it in a World Cup.

"The fact we pushed the Kiwis so close twice - one of those games was there for the taking - encourages us to go the extra yard and do whatever it takes to close out the game.

"Only through experience do sides like Ireland find out how to win. We're getting closer and closer to where we want to be."

Two years ago Ireland recorded only their second victory over South Africa, using some ill-advised comments from Springbok coach Jake White to fire themselves up.

White declared only three Ireland players would be good enough to make South Africa's squad and paid the price with a 17-12 defeat.

He has not made the same mistake this time around but Eddie O'Sullivan's side still find themselves in the unusual position of being favourites for Saturday's clash.

The Springboks, who are using the tour for development purposes, have rested several senior players — but O'Driscoll remains wary of giving his side the pre-match edge.

"Jake has been very complimentary this week, which is lovely of him. We like to think we're at a stage now when we don't need anything to motivate us," he said. "The opportunity to win a Test match at Lansdowne Road is enough of a carrot for us.

"South Africa will probably try to push us into the favourites tag but let's not forget they beat New Zealand and Australia in their last two matches."