Battle for top spot.

Ireland are unable to overtake the All Blacks in the World Rugby Rankings this weekend, even with a win. But lock Brodie Retallick reckons whoever wins will be the number one team in the world regardless.

Retallick says this weekend’s game is “massive” as far as he’s concerned with the number one and number two ranked teams in the world set to battle it out at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

He says there’ll be “no shortage of edge“ this week, with the unofficial crown of ‘world’s best’ up for grabs.

“Most of us playing this weekend came early from Japan to get these two games right. There’s been a lot of talk, it’s one vs two so that’s the way we see it.” Retallick told the media in Dublin this week.

“Whoever comes out on top is going to be the number one team so it’s a massive game, there’s been no shortage of edge throughout the week.”

Retallick highlighted Ireland’s front-row as danger men this week, and said just like previous battles, this weekend will be ”physical.”

“We’ve played them a handful of times over the last few years, their front-rowers are big men who are mobile and like to carry the ball hard as long as your loose forwards.” Retallick added.

“So like it was in previous battles between the All Blacks and the Irish it’s going to be physical.”