Hansen concedes No 1 spot

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has hailed Ireland as the ‘‘No 1 team in the world’’ following their win over his back-toback world champions in Dublin.

New Zealand retained their world No 1 status despite losing to No 2 Ireland but Hansen had claimed before the clash that the winner would swipe the global bragging rights.

‘‘As I said earlier in the week this was No 1 versus No 2 in the world,’’ said Hansen after Ireland’s 16-9 victory in Dublin.

‘‘So, as of now, they are the number-one team in the world. So if you want to make them World Cup favourites, go ahead. I guess they are favourites.’’

Asked if Ireland are now World Cup favourites, Schmidt said: ‘‘The World Cup? In 12 months’ time?

‘‘People will, I suppose, postulate about who’s where, who’s favourite. It’s a nebulous thing for us.’’

But they will depart Dublin knowing they leave behind unfinished business; given they would enjoy nothing better than to right some wrongs by taking on the men in green once again.

A win would have been an ideal way to remind the world that, yes, the All Blacks are still the team to be feared ahead of the global tournament next year.

That perception may change. The damage inflicted by Ireland wasn’t mortal, not by a long shot, but it was a significant strike against a team that many teams fear as soon as they see them in their black uniforms.

Hansen is expected to make changes for the northern tour finale and giving lock Sam Whitelock, after such a long and demanding season, a rest should be high on the sheet of priorities.

Liam Squire injured a knee and had to leave in the first half of the game in Dublin, so at least one positional change is expected. Sonny Bill Williams could also be fit after skipping the Ireland fixture because of a shoulder complaint.

There are likely to be other amendments to the team sheet. Hansen has to ask whether Damian McKenzie is the right option at fullback, after Ireland picked him out with their high bombs.