Ireland 15 Australia 6: Clinical Irish mix of youth and experience stuns the Wallabies

The Irish produced the result of the tournament so far when they routed Tri-Nations champions and second favourites Australia 15-6 at Eden Park.

The World Cup has been an unhappy hunting ground for Ireland in the past, but victory over the Wallabies has given rise to the hope 2011 is the year they will realise their potential on the sport’s grandest stage.

O’Driscoll revealed the desire to perform has consumed the squad.

“There’s never been a shortage of drive in these guys, that’s not something that comes and goes. It’s innate, it’s either in you or it’s not,” he said. “I hope that our preparation has put us in a position to be able to build on our result against Australia.

“But I’m not going to question the drive or desire in players like Paul O’Connell or Ronan O’Gara because I’ve seen it for 10 years.

“It’s also in the younger guys... you can see it in players like Sean O’Brien and the Stephen Ferris. I know I’m naming guys but it’s throughout the team.”

Ireland were cheered on by a huge contingent of travelling fans at a pulsating Eden Park to the extent the match felt like it might have been at Lansdowne Road.

“That support gives you a spring in your step, there’s no doubt about that,” said O’Driscoll. “We said after last week it was a shame we didn’t give the crowd more of a reason to get behind us. Thankfully we managed to do that a bit more against Australia.

“With the Kiwis and other nations in the crowd getting behind us, it felt like a home game. When you’re tired and you’re struggling for a second or third wind that cheer can be the boost you need.

“We have great Irish support and welcome anyone else who wants to jump on the bandwagon.”

Quade Cooper believes Ireland’s victory over Australia has sounded their arrival as a major force at the World Cup.

The Australia fly-half endured a torrid match behind a back peddling pack as the Wallabies surrendered control of Pool C.

Ireland should now secure an easier quarter-final against Wales and Cooper feels they can make a real impact in the tournament.

“It was a tough game. The Irish forwards played well and they got a lot of pay out of it,” he said. “They didn’t surprise us. We knew how well they can play and how physical they were.

“They definitely lifted themselves because they were playing us, but at the same time they played some great rugby.

“If you get momentum and are always on the front foot then nine times out of 10 you’ll win. Ireland are a very, very good side, a quality team. They should go well. The way they played against us shows they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in this World Cup.”