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DUBLIN. — New Zealand coach Steve Hansen’s claim that Ireland are now number one in the world and favourites for the Rugby 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 on Saturday.
“I said at the beginning of the week it is the two best sides in the world playing each other,” said Hansen. “As of now they are the number one team in the world.”
Schmidt lauded his defence for becoming the first national team to keep the New Zealanders tryless since France in 1995.
But he was having none of Hansen’s claims despite recording his second win over his compatriots in four meetings. — AFP
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