Captain Brian O'Driscoll believes that Ireland's World Cup group is up for grabs after they avoided the Southern Hemisphere giants.

Ireland will come up against France, Italy, either USA or Canada and a qualifier from Europe in the 2015 tournament, which will be held in England.

The hosts have drawn British rivals Wales as well as Australia in a tough pool, and O'Driscoll has acknowledged his nation has been lucky in comparison.

"It could have been worse. You're never going to lick your lips at a World Cup draw because you'll always have good quality opposition," he said.

"I'd imagine France and Italy are quietly happy they've drawn us. They'll think they can beat us.

"It leaves it quite open because all three are capable of beating one another."

Ireland reached the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup before they were knocked out by Wales.