Rugby: Stephen Ferris insists Ireland's backrow is capable of mixing it with any loose trio at the World Cup as the team face Wales on Saturday in their World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington.

Ferris, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip have formed the tournament’s most effective partnership along with Wales and New Zealand.

There are few more destructive ball carriers than Ferris and O’Brien, the flankers whose physicality has identified them as Ireland’s outstanding players.

“We fancy ourselves against any backrow at the World Cup. Given the way we’re playing we’d rate ourselves against anyone,” said Ferris.

“It’s great being a part of this unit. Sean has been fantastic. The Italy game was only the second time I’ve started with him.

“Every time he carries the ball you’re looking to run off his shoulder because you know he’ll break the first tackle.

“Against Italy he showed the world what he’s made of. Sean thinks the same of me and we both think the same of Jamie.

“We seem to be clicking very well and sharing the workload. The balance is good - it’s worked well so far.”

The Ulster flanker has been impressed with Wales in the way they have come through Pool D.

“Wales are playing some good stuff at the moment. We watched them before we played Italy.

“They looked very silky and it will be another massive contest for us. But the way we’re playing at the moment we can beat anyone.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve been capable of raising our game — just look at the 2009 Grand Slam, beating England in March and then Australia here.

“Every week it’s getting bigger and bigger. The prize for beating Wales is massive as it will mean we’re here to the end of the tournament. All the focus will be on doing a job on these boys.”