O'Kelly's backing his boys to triumph

FORMER Ireland lock Malcolm O’Kelly believes his nation will win the World Cup – if the coaches avoid the preparation issues that have cost them in previous tournaments. 

- NICK POWELL

O’Kelly, who was once Ireland’s most-capped player with 92, is confident that they will defeat South Africa, Scotland and Tonga in Pool B, which would set up a quarter-final against either hosts France or New Zealand.

“I do think that they can go all the way, but the scenario that they’re faced with is tough,” said O’Kelly. “They can beat South Africa in the pool stage, but I don’t know what benefit that is bar momentum with France and New Zealand to come in the quarter-final.

“Maybe it’s the past that I’m thinking about, but I would hate the idea of playing New Zealand, but similarly so France in France is such a difficult game. I think I’d prefer us to play New Zealand.”