Ireland are favourites, says Hansen

STEVE Hansen has installed Ireland as World Cup favourites following their 16-9 win over his New Zealand side in Dublin on Saturday, writes Nick Purewal.

All Blacks boss Hansen hailed Ireland as the “number one team in the world” following their superlative victory over his backto-back world champions at the Aviva Stadium.

New Zealand retained their world number one status despite losing to number two side Ireland – but head coach Hansen had claimed before the clash that the winner would swipe the global bragging rights.

The All Blacks boss stuck to his word in the wake of Ireland’s triumph, and even labelled Joe Schmidt’s Ireland as the frontrunners for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“As I said earlier in the week, this was number one versus number two in the world,” said Hansen. “So as of now they are the number one team.

“So if you want to make them World Cup favourites, go ahead. I guess they are favourites.”

Jacob Stockdale’s 12th try in just 14 Tests, pictured, sealed Ire- land’s second-ever victory over New Zealand, backing up their maiden win over the All Blacks in Chicago in 2016.

Ireland defended for their lives in the second half and shut out the All Blacks, with the visitors tryless for the first time against a northern hemisphere side since their 1995 clash with France.

Ireland boss Schmidt insisted afterwards, however, that All Blacks coach Hansen installing his men as World Cup favourites should be viewed as a cute ruse.

Asked if Hansen’s words should be viewed as kidology, Schmidt said: “I think he probably enjoyed a little bit of banter. I’ve huge respect for Steve, Fozzy, and Scott MacLeod, their coaching staff.

“So for us to be favourites when they have been the world number one team for nine years, and continue to be the world number one team. We were at home, and they were coming off a long series of games where they have travelled around the world.

“I thought the crowd were phenomenal tonight. And that’s a lot of things stacked in our favour. So we’ll take tonight, and leave 11 months’ time for then.”

Elsewhere, Wales thrashed Tonga 74-24, and Scotland lost 26-20 to South Africa.