Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll attended the World Cup draw in London © PA Photos

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Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll believes the 2015 World Cup draw gives his side reason for optimism but admits their opponents will feel the same.

Declan Kidney's side were drawn against Six Nations rivals France and Italy in Monday's pool draw in London with their group is likely to be completed by America or Canada and one of Georgia, Russia and Romania following the completion of the lengthy qualification process.

And the 33-year-old O'Driscoll, who will have surely retired from the game by 2015, believes his country will go into the tournament with confidence having faced Italy and France regularly in the Six Nations.

"We are capable of beating all those sides and a lot of them are capable of beating us too," he told Sky Sports News. "So I would image France and Italy will be quietly confident of getting us too."

The Ireland captain also believes the World Cup draw will add an extra element and intensity to the Six Nations fixtures between the sides over the next few years.

Asked if playing the nations regularly makes it easier to prepare for the games, he said: "It does and it doesn't. Sometimes those games can become chess matches when you know each other that well. But it will add an extra spice to the Six Nations games over the next two or three season.

"And I would imagine the Six Nations of 2015 will be a hot affair when we take on one another trying to get the upper hand."