Alan Quinlan: Ireland must embrace past failings and can go deep in the tournament

He says it’s between France and South Africa at the moment

Alan Quinlan played rugby for Clanwilliam before progressing all the way to the very top of the game

Tipperary rugby legend Alan Quinlan has been there and done that in the rugby world. He has experience of World Cups and while he feels Ireland have a real chance this time around, he says the Rugby World Cup will be between the two current powerhouses of rugby - France and South Africa.

"I would be really excited for this group of players.  I am optimistic they can get to a semi-final. There will be bumps and bruises. You need a bit of luck especially round injuries, not least to Johnny Sexton. If Ireland are fit and healthy after South Africa and Scotland I would be confident no matter who they are playing they would have a really good chance in a quarter final," he said.

The former Munster and Ireland star Alan Quinlan was speaking to BoyleSports, who make Ireland 5/1 in their latest Rugby World Cup odds.

Alan Quinlan went on to say that while Ireland are possible winners, they are below the top two in the pecking order: "I would be a fool to say Ireland are going to win the World Cup. It’s between France and South Africa, with Ireland and New Zealand just behind them and it is a bit of a lottery after that. Argentina could rattle a few cages on that side of the draw.

"I think South Africa will win. I hope it’s Ireland but at the moment South Africa have so much strength in depth across the board.

"Teams target Ireland’s physicality but they are wrong - the Irish can match up with anyone. It would be no secret or surprise that anyone who plays Ireland will go after them physically and try and take them on and try and impose themselves. That is easier said than done and is overplayed in my opinion.

"Ireland will know that and they themselves are a pretty physical side. They are not small. Sometimes you have just got to be tactically shrewd. They played the Springboks in Dublin last year and managed the physical side pretty well."Ireland can’t be afraid to face up to their past World Cup failings - they know they’ve been superb for two years

"Do you play it down, not get ahead of ourselves because we have never been past the quarter finals? It is a narrow mindset. I think they will be very mindful of past World Cups but don’t be afraid to address that, package it away or hide it. Maybe find out why it has happened.

"You hope previous experiences make you stronger but also learn from your approach, your mindset, tactically what you did on the day. There is no easy path here but maybe that will suit Ireland better. They should focus on the reality. That is they have been superb for the past two years, producing wonderful performances. You have to embrace that and enjoy it.

"Caelon Doris is world class - I’m sure he will shine out in France. I have been watching Caelon Doris for the past 18 months and he has got to a level that is world class. He is a phenomenal player with the ball, without the ball, he is a brilliant line-out operator.

"He is incredible for a big man at the breakdown getting crucial turnovers. He is so fit and athletic. He has not weakness in his game. He is at the top of his powers and he is a special player and you want them fit and well and performing" said the Tipperary rugby legend.