With just under 16 months until the start of the next World Cup in Japan, ex-England boss Lancaster says he has high hopes this year’s Six Nations Grand Slam winners could look to have a serious push at adding the Webb Ellis Cup to their trophy haul.
Joe Schmidt’s team will hope to lay down a big marker ahead of the competition when they take on Australia over three Tests this month.
“Ireland have got a really good chance, an exceptional chance,” said Lancaster, from Culgaith, after Leinster completed a historic double on Saturday, beating Scarlets 40-32 in their PRO14 final.
“The thing about a World Cup is that it’s about one-off games but the tour for a lot of these boys to Australia is a big marker for them.
"They have a quality coaching team.”
Schmidt’s side first Test against Michael Cheika’s Wallabies will be in Brisbane on Saturday.
Lancaster also described Ireland and Leinster star Johnny Sexton as “probably” the best player he has ever coached this week, although the 48-year-old is well aware any successful team needs more than one player to perform.
“It’s not just about the out-half, is it,” he admitted to The Irish Examiner . “It’s about the team and what Ireland have got is a very good coaching team and a very good collective team.
“That’s why they have a real chance in the World Cup.”
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