KEY POINTS:
LONDON - Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll believes he has seen signs that World Cup favourites New Zealand have lost their aura of invincibility.
O'Driscoll's side could face the All Blacks in the World Cup quarter-finals so he has been paying special attention to their recent matches.
Although New Zealand won the Tri-Nations tournament, O'Driscoll took encouragement from some erractic displays against Australia and South Africa.
Ireland, who have been drawn with France and Argentina at the World Cup, will meet Graham Henry's side in a quarter-final at the Millennium Stadium if they finish runners-up in Pool D.
O'Driscoll is convinced Ireland would have a chance of springing a shock because the All Blacks sometime struggle if they don't initially overwhelm their opponents.
"I saw most of the game in which Australia beat New Zealand in Melbourne," he said. "The Aussies showed that day that the longer you hang in the game, the more the All Blacks are there for the taking.
"It all comes down to taking your opportunities and Australia did that very well when they scored the match-winning try through Scott Staniforth.
"Perhaps New Zealand showed greater form last year than they have in the Tri-Nations, but they could turn it back on come World Cup time."
- AFP
