O'Driscoll knows that defeat will probably end Ireland's hopes

Brian O'Driscoll insists Ireland remain equipped to perform well in Friday's "colossal" World Cup contest against hosts France in Paris.

Ireland are reeling after producing two dire displays in the wins over Namibia and Georgia and defeat will almost certainly end their World Cup hopes.

But O'Driscoll says that the Irish players remain "confident".

"There is no reason to panic. There is as much pressure on France as there is on Ireland," said the Ireland captain.

"It's a fairly big week for both sides. It's enormous.

"There were some big moments in previous World Cups, Lions tours and Six Nations, but they're all behind us.

"So, as far as I'm concerned, this is the biggest week. I can't say it'll be the biggest week forever but this is a colossal match.

"It is a crunch match. I think whoever wins this game will go on to the next phase of the tournament - and both teams know it."

After their opening defeat by Argentina, France revived their ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals with a resounding 87-10 triumph over Namibia on Sunday night.

"France were very convincing. They finished well," said O'Driscoll.

"They started slipping off tackles a little bit more and the French are one of the best sides in the world when they're playing with that kind of confidence."