O’Connell: we can win Six Nations

PAUL O’CONNELL believes Ireland will justify their status as RBS 6 Nations favourites thanks to the leadership of Brian O’Driscoll.

Ireland have emerged as the strongest team in Europe after dispatching South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islanders in a hugely-successful autumn series.

New Zealand were the only other team to complete a clean sweep from the November internationals and they alone lie above Ireland in Test rugby’s pecking order.