Former British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan believes Ireland can reach the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup, providing they see off France in the group stage.

Joe Schmidt's side appear to have received a favourable draw for the quadrennial showpiece - which gets under way on September 18 - and they kick off their Pool D campaign with matches against Canada and Romania.

A meeting with Italy then follows before Ireland face France in their final group game at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on October 11.

Assessing Ireland's hopes at an ITV launch event, legendary coach McGeechan said: "I think they'll probably be looking a bit later for being up to match speed.

"They've got two pool games which they can use to get their game in order. It's not like the England pool [which also features Australia and Wales] where they have to be right from day one.

"Ireland have that luxury of having two games which they can use to get up to where they can be. So he [Schmidt] will be very keen to make sure they can get all their priorities in place, although they have a few things to sort out, I have to say.

"I think they have to beat France. If they finish second, it becomes a tough tournament.

"They've got it within them to beat France and I think that's undoubtedly the key game of that group. And yes, if they win that game then you can see Ireland in the semi-finals."