Ace Jord eyes up champs

Kearney (above is a major doubt to face Argentina this Saturday, Larmour is likely to remain at full-back against the Pumas – with the All Blacks to come a week later.

“Long term, we want to be World Cup champions,” admitted Larmour. “But there’s a good bit of rugby to be played. There are three more huge games coming up this month, then the Six Nations, so we just want to keep building.

“We’ll look at this game, review it and try to keep building and keep the momentum up. We want to keep getting better but the sky is the limit for this team.”

Asked if the All Blacks fear factor was gone for Ireland after their historic 2016 win in Chicago, Larmour replied: “Yeah, I think so.

“Everyone is up for that challenge and Argentina next week. Looking to the All Blacks, no one is scared of them. They’re a quality team. So are we.”