O'Connell Targets World Cup Success

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell is confident that Ireland have a chance of winning next year's World Cup in what may be the Munster man's international swansong.

Talking to the Irish Independent, the 35-year-old said: "We certainly have a chance. We have shown that we can beat anyone on our day.

"We still don't have the strength in depth of the southern hemisphere nations, so there are certain things that will have to go our way - but I think we have the potential to win a World Cup."

He admitted that he has not decided exactly when he will draw his own career to a close, adding:

"I don't really know how long I can keep on going for - I want to play in the next World Cup and want to be in the best possible shape. I am still undecided if I will play on after the World Cup.

"It's is something that plays on my mind a little bit. I don't dread the day, but I don't think it was ever my intention to keep on playing this long.

"I certainly won't be putting my hand up for Lions selection in 2017 - I'll be long gone from the game, believe me."

O'Connell's confidence comes after Ireland won the RBS Six Nations and followed it up with Autumn International victories over Australia, Georgia and South Africa.