"It is certainly a more favourable draw for us then the last World Cup," said Best.

"But Australia will be a lot closer to home than us and Italy are always difficult to play against."

In 2007 Ireland crashed out in the group stage after defeats to France and Argentina, with the South Americans having played them in the last three World Cups.

Georgia, who almost created the biggest upset of all time against Ireland in Bordeaux in 2007, are currently leading the European qualifying competition which is still in progress. Romania are currently the likely opposition for Ireland.

Topping the American qualifiers are the USA, ranked 19th in the world, with Uruguay a place below and Ireland's probable opponents in Pool C.

Progress from Pool C will lead to a quarter-final against the qualifiers from Pool D, which contains defending champions South Africa and RBS Six Nations winners Wales.