With the 2019 Rugby World Cup now just over a year away, the likes of Ireland are currently fine-tuning their early preparations.

And the tour of Australia will certainly Joe Schmidt in adding to the impressive building blocks that have led to a Six Nations Grand Slam on top of European success for Leinster who provide the core of the team.

Brian O'Driscoll joined Ger and Dave on Friday to look ahead to Friday's first test between Ireland and Australia which takes place in Brisbane and after sharing his view on how Joey Carbery will slot in as part of an Ireland starting side and the strengths and weaknesses of the Wallabies outfit, he shared his thoughts on how he feels the match will go.

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"I'm not sure," said BOD when a prediction for Saturday morning's match came up.

"I like the look of that Australian team. It's just a matter of are they very rusty and how well are Ireland equipped with Joey there, will it take a little bit of time to get in there.

"Also Australia love playing in Brisbane and they love playing in Suncorp [Stadium] or Lang Park. They've got a great record there so I wonder, I just fancy Australia might sneak this one."

He also added that he expects the series to finish 2-1, although both Ireland and Australia have the capability of edging it.

BOD also touched on Ireland's front row and who could stake a claim to be the third hooker in line and how Cian Healy is the clear No 1 at present at loosehead prop.

In discussing Carbery's style, the former Leinster and Ireland legend also looked at the differences he experienced stylistically in playing with Ronan O'Gara at international level and Felipe Contepomi at Leinster in regards to the relationship between 10 and the centres.