Don't panic says Brian O'Driscoll

Brian O'Driscoll is determined to keep results in perspective as Ireland's preparations for the World Cup enter a key phase.

O'Driscoll will make his first appearance of the summer in Saturday's clash with France at Aviva Stadium after recovering from a neck/shoulder injury.

The 32-year-old captain is joined in midfield by Gordon D'Arcy, who is in action for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in May. Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip make their summer series full debuts while David Wallace, who had yet to feature, is named at openside. Stephen Ferris, their destructive back row, has also been passed fit for bench duty following a seven-month battle with a knee problem.

Despite losses to Scotland and France this summer, O'Driscoll, however, insists further defeats would not cause panic in the camp. "Winning is important but isn't the be all and end all. It's also about getting game time and getting up to speed," he said.

"If we didn't win a warm-up game it wouldn't be ideal, but it's not the World Cup now. The World Cup is in three weeks. Let's focus on getting the best possible performance. We're going into the game with the attitude of we really want to win this game, so let's see what happens."