Brian O'Driscoll cannot hide his delight as he prepares to return for Ireland on Saturday to face New Zealand.
O'Driscoll has been out of action for four months after suffering from a trapped nerve, which forced him to miss the entire Six Nations tournament. However, the 33-year-old is now fit again and is eager to wear a green jersey again.
"I missed the Six Nations so I am hugely excited about putting a green jersey back on," said O'Driscoll.
"The last time was during the World Cup and that seems like an eternity ago.
"[But] you're playing the world champions, after rightly winning the crown. It's a huge challenge and a huge opportunity."
Ireland take on New Zealand at Eden Park at 8.35am (GMT) on Saturday in the first of their three-Test series.