O'Driscoll - talented centre. (Getty Images)

Born: 21.01.79
Height: 5ft 11in
Weight: 14st 3lb
Position: Centre
Club: Leinster
Caps: 41
Points: 99

Regarded by many as the best centre in the world.

There are of course other pretenders to that crown but O'Driscoll certainly adds an extra dimension to Ireland.

Ireland have the potential to impress at the World Cup but the chances of that happening would shrink if O'Driscoll were not at his most potent.

Fleet-footed and with remarkable acceleration, O'Driscoll is the man to get the ball to in attack.

His handling is also outstanding, making him a serious threat to any defence.

Having made his debut against Australia in 1999, he appeared in all four Ireland matches at the last World Cup.

But with four years' more experience and still at the tender age of 24, the best should still be to come and this tournament offers a marvellous opportunity to shine on the biggest stage of all.