Despite captain Brian O'Driscoll's late withdrawal, Ireland thrashed the Barbarians 39-14 before leaving for its rugby tour of New Zealand and Australia.

O'Driscoll returned to Dublin after news of the death of a close friend, and it wasn't certain whether he will rejoin his teammates in time when they leave on Friday for New Zealand.

In his absence, stand-in captain Shane Horgan racked a pair of tries, No.8 Jamie Heaslip also bagged two, and winger Tommy Bowe scored in a surge of 24 points in the first 23 minutes which left Ireland in control.

Ireland play the All Blacks on Saturday, June 7 in Wellington, and the Wallabies a week later in Melbourne.

Paddy Wallace, among 12 starters heading to New Zealand, kicked over 14 points.

Ireland, defeating the Baabaas for the first time in three attempts, did not include any players from Munster, who won the European Cup at the weekend.

The Barbarians were limited to converted tries by New Zealand flanker Craig Newby and South African No.8 Pedrie Wannenburg.

Former All Black Newby, who has left Otago to join Leicester next season, was injured scoring the try and taken to hospital for X-rays on his neck.

Former NSW Waratahs fullback Peter Hewat converted both of the Barbarians' tries.

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