Schmidt reveals all: ABs to play Ireland

The All Blacks are likely to play Ireland next November, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has revealed.

Schmidt is also open to playing the world champions twice next year - if an invite comes for a match like the historic one in Chicago last year when the Irish beat the All Blacks for the first time.

But he was firmer about a clash in Dublin during the All Blacks’ annual northern tour.

‘‘I think we’ve got Argentina and New Zealand,’’ he told reporters.

That would mean the All Blacks playing its main four rivals in the world rankings during 2018, with the much anticipated test against England also earmarked for November - and their more regular opponents, South Africa and Australia, to be encountered during the Rugby Championship. They will also host France, who have slipped to ninth in the world rankings, in a three-test series in June.

Ireland rose to third in the rankings behind the All Blacks and second-ranked England with their win over Argentina at the weekend. Australia are ranked fourth and South Africa fifth.

Schmidt said Ireland would likely have three opponents next November: New Zealand, Argentina and a second tier team not yet announced, the

reported.

‘‘You never know the tier two [team] until later but I think it is Argentina and New Zealand,’’ he said. ‘‘At this stage [it is just three games]. Again, we’ll always get asked for a fourth game.

‘‘We haven’t had a formal request from anyone yet but if there is one, as we got for the match in Chicago, then we’d consider it if it comes up and we’d try and stay in touch with the provincial coaches and see if we can make it work.’’

The All Blacks, who have just finished their November tour with test wins over France, Scotland and Wales, played Ireland twice in November last year, losing 40-29 in Chicago before exacting revenge, 21-9, in Dublin two weeks later.