All Blacks’ Steve Hansen hails Ireland as best in world after defeat

• ‘As of now they are the No 1 team in the world,’ says coach
• Ireland’s Joe Schmidt laughs off compliment from Hansen

The All Blacks may be top of the rankings but according to their head coach, Steve Hansen, Ireland have overtaken them and become the best team in the world. After Ireland’s 16-9 win in Dublin, Hansen explained: “What it does do is this: I said this at the beginning of the week that these are the two best sides in the world playing each other. So as of now they are the No 1 team in the world.” Hansen said that he also felt Ireland were now favourites to win next year’s World Cup in Japan, too.

Hansen’s compatriot Joe Schmidt was not about to fall into that trap. “The World Cup? In 11 months’ time? We’ve got to work hard in the next week to make sure we’re ready for the USA,” the Ireland head coach said. “Steve’s probably enjoying a little bit of banter.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2FusT5s
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