Rugby World Cup
O'Driscoll chasing RWC improvement
Scrum.com
December 2, 2008
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll looks dejected after defeat to Argentina saw his side exit the 2007 World Cup, September 30 2007
Brian O'Driscoll pictured following the defeat to Argentina that spelled Ireland's exit from the 2007 World Cup © Getty Images
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Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll has admitted that his side should feel disappointment at their World Cup record, but also holds the belief that that they have a chance to put the story straight in 2011.

With a relatively kind draw seeing O'Driscoll and co taking on Australia, Italy and the second best qualifiers from Europe and the Americas, Ireland should fancy their chances of securing a good quarter-final berth.

"Sure, there's a sense we haven't fulfilled ourselves. We've got out of the pool stages once in the last three World Cups," O'Driscoll said. "That's not something to shout from the rafters. We want to do better than that but we won't be telling everyone at this stage."

At 29, O'Driscoll should still be available for Ireland in 2011, either as captain or as an experienced head in midfield. "I want to be involved but experience teaches you not to look too far ahead," he said. "The game can be fickle, especially when the body gets older. Hopefully in three years time I'll still have the wherewithal to play at this level.

"It would be fantastic to play in a fourth World Cup but it's a long, long way away."

While a year has elapsed since Ireland's desperate exit in the 2007, Ireland boss Declan Kidney fears Pool C's outsiders will be gunning for an upset in 2011 after Gerogia and Namibia came so close in the last tournament.

"Being ranked second will make us the target team for the other sides in the pool. They'll be looking to have a go at us," said Kidney. "This draw is a fantastic way to start the competition but the World Cup is so far away that it's impossible to say who will be around or involved.

"We have played against Australia in World Cups before and Italy being in the group will add spice to our Six Nations matches over the coming three years."

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