Jamie Cudmore eyeing Ireland upset in Rugby World Cup opener

Canada captain Jamie Cudmore has suggested that his side have the skills to beat Ireland in their Rugby World Cup opening game.

The North Americans have yet to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup, but the 37-year-old Clermont Auvergne lock has insisted that Canada can hold their own against the Six Nations champions.

"Over the last summer, we have played some great rugby against some great competition," Cudmore told reporters.

"And as I said to the boys, we can compete with the best in the world. We've just got to hang on to the ball and play some good rugby. We have some really good young talent out there."

Ireland and France are considered to be the favourites to progress from Pool D, although the runners-up in the pool could face a quarter-final against world champions New Zealand.