By Bryn Palmer

O'Driscoll would love to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is confident his side can bounce back from a dismal World Cup campaign and regain their status as a Six Nations force.

"We have come off a very disappointing World Cup but we have a certain element of confidence in our side," he said.

"We know when we play well we are a very hard side to beat.

"It is a matter of finding that form again that we showed in last year's Six Nations. If we re-enact some of that we will be there or thereabouts."

O'Driscoll was carrying an injury sustained in Ireland's final World Cup pool match against Argentina on his return from France.

We feel as though we are still capable of great performances Brian O'Driscoll

But after a 10-day rest last month, when he says the problem "sorted itself out", the 29-year-old centre is feeling refreshed and ready to lead Ireland's long-standing assault on a Six Nations title.

Since the Five Nations became Six in 2000, Ireland have triumphed in 29 of their 40 matches in the tournament, only France - with 30 - winning more.

But while the French have claimed four titles in the last six years, including two Grand Slams, the Irish are still waiting for their first championship victory since 1985.

Last year a last-minute French try in Dublin denied them a tilt at a Grand Slam, and then, despite winning 51-24 in Rome on the final day, they lost the title on points difference - by a mere four - to France.

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"It is disappointing that we haven't won a Six Nations championship," O'Driscoll acknowledged.

"We are striving for silverware and it is great that we have won three Triple Crowns in four years, but we didn't pick up the Six Nations title.

"We feel as though at times we have probably left something behind, but there is always the current season to put that right.