Ireland ready to rule the world, declares O’Connell

Paul O’Connell admits Ireland have never performed to their potential at a Rugby World Cup but believes they are now genuine contenders to win the tournament under Joe Schmidt.

Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on Saturday ranked third in the world, their highest position since 2006.

But O’Connell believes the side’s growing maturity under Schmidt is demonstrated by the fact they now recognise their ranking is “irrelevant”, with the squad’s self-belief instead coming from beating the likes of South Africa and Australia in the autumn. And the 35-year-old has set his sights on Ireland finally making an impact at the sharp end of a World Cup, having failed to progress past the quarter-finals in their seven previous attempts.