New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's claim that Ireland are now number one in the world and favourites for the World Cup has been dismissed as "banter" by the Six Nations champions' boss Joe Schmidt.
Hansen who as coach will seek a second successive World Cup next year in Japan made that assessment after the Irish had beaten his All Blacks 16‑9 for their first win over them at home yesterday.
Schmidt lauded his defence for becoming the first national team to keep the New Zealanders tryless since France in 1995.
Schmidt, who has revolutionised Irish rugby since he took over in 2013, landing three Six Nations titles including the Grand Slam earlier this year, is too canny an individual and would not run with it.
Meanwhile the All Blacks will now face Italy at 3am this Sunday while Ireland will take on USA at 7.30am this Sunday and the Flying Fijians will face France at 8.45am Sunday.
[Source: Rugby.com.au]
