Ireland have emerged as the strongest team in Europe after dispatching South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islanders in a hugely successful autumn series.

New Zealand were the only other team to complete a clean sweep from the November internationals and they alone lie above Ireland in Test rugby's pecking order.

With England and France travelling to Croke Park in February, Ireland have a fantastic chance of ending their 22-year search for Six Nations glory.

Their tournament opener against Wales in Cardiff could possibly be the toughest assignment but O'Connell is backing his side to live up to the tag of favourites.

And the Munster lock, nominated for the International Rugby Board's player of the year award, believes O'Driscoll's inspirational captaincy is the key to realising their potential.

'We're delighted with the way the month has gone. Three wins from the autumn when you have played two of the biggest teams in the world is fabulous,' he said.

'It will be a whole new ball game for the Six Nations. We can win the Six Nations.

'We have a captain who relishes playing in those circumstances and leading a team in those circumstances and that's exactly what we need.

'We're learning to handle the favourites tag a lot better. We came from an era of Irish rugby when we enjoyed being the underdogs.

'But Brian is very good at being the type of captain who enjoys leading a team that has high expectations. He does it very well and it's been great for him.'

Sunday's 61-17 victory over the Pacific Islanders was the last game at Lansdowne Road before renovation begins in January, Croke Park taking over as the short-term home of Irish rugby.

The 82,500-seater stadium - the fourth biggest in Europe - is a fitting venue for what is considered the best Ireland team of all time and O'Connell admits it will be a dream come true to run out at the impressive Dublin venue.

'Our work rate and fitness has been grown over the last few years. The way we closed out the games against Australia and South Africa was excellent,' he said.