Since breaking their duck against the New Zealanders in their 2016 outing in Chicago, Ireland has notched five wins, including a first series win in New Zealand in 2022.
But the All Blacks gained a vital 28-24 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal win over Ireland in France in 2023, and also beat them 23-13 last year in Dublin.
O'Brien, 27, and one of Ireland's fastest players, told Irish broadcaster RTE, "We don't put anyone on a pedestal. Everyone has very fond memories of 2016, and there are a few guys now who were involved.
"I was just out of school, but I remember watching it and being delighted with the guys. I have a vivid memory of it, so the chance to potentially be involved in something like that would be incredible.
"That New Zealand would have come off the back of the 2015 and 2011 World Cups, so they were an incredibly successful team.
"That was the breaking of the barrier in 2016, and we've managed to beat them a couple of times since.
"We're looking forward to the challenge of facing them, but [have] no fear of them."
A late starter in Test rugby as a result of injuries earlier in his career, O'Brien said, "Once you get to this level, you have to be aware that everyone is going to be very good.
"I have to focus on what I do best and hopefully that will do the job."
Coming into the environment later than most, he felt he brought greater maturity and a better understanding of what is involved.
"It is something you have been working your whole life towards, and it is the pinnacle, playing in these kinds of games.
"From a wing perspective, I'm just getting my head around everything and making sure, but I like to be someone who tries to get involved.
"You don't have to be hanging out in your wing the whole time, you have license to roam. Defensively, it's about learning the art of the system and making sure I can implement as well as I possibly can."
