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Published 16:44 18 Aug 2015 BST
Updated 15:23 18 Sept 2015 BST
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'I don't think there is a mental barrier when it comes to competing with them or putting ourselves in a position to win the game. 'If you look back on that game, I know it is in the past now but we have developed a lot since that game. We've come on a lot. We should be in a better place if we were to meet them.'O'Brien added, 'Yeah. I think we have enough belief now [to back ourselves]. 'We've played well enough and have won games with control. We have beaten a lot of teams since then and have played a lot better rugby since then. 'A lot of people learned a lot from that game... We're in a different place, mentally and rugby wise.'
While expressing his confidence in his Irish teammates, should the two nations meet at the World Cup, O'Brien believes New Zealand are still the team to beat.
'They are as big a threat [as ever],' he said. 'You can't write them off. They're an incredibly talented bunch of players and are always dangerous.'
Asked if he had shared much banter with Auckland native, and Leinster teammate, Isa Nacewa, O'Brien said he was keeping away from him.
'He's had a bit of craic with a few of the lads but is only trying to get a reaction out of us.
'He's a Fijian anyway!'
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