FORMER LEINSTER AND IRELAND PLAYER Sean O'Brien believes that Ireland will get past the quarterfinals of the World Cup next year.
Ireland in recent years have become the number one side in world rugby, but still must shake off the World Cup bottlers' tag that's followed them around for years.
The Ireland team have never made it past the quarterfinals of the World Cup, even though have had some of the best players in the world play for the country.
This includes the likes of former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Johnny Sexton, and more.
Ireland's last visit to a World Cup resulted in them being beaten 46–14 by eventual champions New Zealand in 2019.
Years before that Ireland lost to minnows Japan 19-12 in the quarter-final in 2015.
Ireland since their 2019 defeat to New Zealand have gone onto to beat them home and away, beat France, South Africa, Australia, and England.
They are now rated as the number one side in the world and will be extremely confident of going far in the World Cup.
Sean O'Brien (Image: Getty)O'Brien who played in two World Cups, in 2011 and 2015 believes that Ireland has the minerals and talent pool to overcome their quarter-final hoodoo from yesteryear.
"Whereas in past teams, we were always aware of the quarter-final thing, obviously the Irish squad will be aware of it, but I don't think it will mean much to them in terms of any weight of pressure," claimed O'Brien.
"World Cups are always different so it gets to that stage where you rock up, it depends on who you have, and it's another Test game.
"Do I think they'll get past the quarterfinals? Yes, I do, with the way things are going. There will be another few lads who will strengthen the squad as well.
"There will be a lot of headaches for the coaches. It will be exciting. Irish rugby is on a bit of a buzz, it's good to see."
The World Cup will take place next Autumn
Ireland have been drawn in Pool B for Rugby World Cup 2023, alongside South Africa, Scotland, Tonga and Romania.
Ireland will begin their RWC 2023 campaign against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday 9th September.
Ireland World Cup fixtures
Ireland v Romania: Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Saturday 9th September 2023 Kick-off: 2:30pm (3:30pm local)
Ireland v Tonga: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, Saturday 16th September 2023 Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)
South Africa v Ireland Stade de France, Paris, Saturday 23rd September 2023 Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)
Ireland v Scotland: Stade de France, Paris, Saturday 7th October 2023 Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)
