Kidney fears onslaught from lesser nations

Irish coach Declan Kidney says he fears his side will be targeted by lesser nations after being drawn alongside Australia at the 2011 World Cup.

Ireland will also face Italy and two undecided qualifiers from Europe and the Americas in Pool C of the competition.

The Irish were among the second seeds in yesterday's draw, helping them avoid the group-of-death situation they faced last autumn.

However, Kidney says the lower three teams will all be specifically targeting Ireland as the second-ranked side.