When it comes to Ireland's chances at this year's Rugby World Cup, Will Greenwood - like Ireland in so many previous tournaments - can't get past their possible quarter-final opponents.
"I know I’m speaking to an Irish radio station here and I’m wary of saying it, but you can’t get past a quarter-final," the 2003 World Cup winner told 2FM's Game On.
"You know that, the players know that.
"I think there’s a different mentality with Schmidt and this whole crowd but the only thing I’m looking at however is you lot are pooled with New Zealand and South Africa.
"So whether you win the group or come second, you’re going to play one of the hot favourites to win the World Cup. You’re not getting it easy are you?
"It’s such a tough tournament to win now, I think it’s stratospheres harder than it was in 1999 or even in 2003, when really there were only four teams that could win it then.
"Now I think you have an argument to say there are seven or eight. If anyone could predict the four semi-final teams in the correct order, pick the group winners and the quarter-final winners, I think you’re a better man than most."
Greenwood believes that there have been far more positives than negatives to England's build-up to the tournament in Japan. England and Ireland play this weekend in the former's third warm-up game and the latter's second.
"They know if they get everyone fit and he [Eddie Jones] picks his first team, that squad - irrespective of what people think outside the group - those who support England think they can go on an win it.
"Those outside, the Celts and the southern hemisphere, think they'll choke and not make it past the quarter-finals. Those inside the group will be supremely confident.
"We’re in good shape, no-one’s getting over-excited and I’m not tipping England to win this World Cup but I do believe that whoever beats England, I’d be backing heavily to win the thing."
Picture credit: Sportsfile
