O'Driscoll: 'England defeat was a reality check'

Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll has admitted that the defeat to England in their opening match of the Six Nations was a much-needed "reality check" ahead of this year's World Cup.

Ireland went into the tournament as defending Grand Slam champions and were favourites to win the trophy again before they <a href="/rugby-union/ireland/six-nations/result/result-england-stun-champions-ireland-in-dublin_349153.html">suffered a 32-20 defeat</a> in Dublin.

O'Driscoll now expects England to go on and win the competition - particularly if they beat Wales this weekend - and believes that Ireland will be best served using the rest of the tournament as an opportunity to prepare for the World Cup.

"It was a reality check, and potentially a bit of . . .