Former All Blacks Says New Zealand Now Wary Of Ireland Threat
Jason Hennessy
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Consistent.
Ulster head coach and former All Black Jono Gibbes believes the All Blacks are now very aware of the threat Ireland now pose to them and their status as the number one ranked team in the world.
The back-to-back champions are now just over four points ahead of second-placed Ireland, who will look to gather more ground on them with a series win over Australia in the summer.
Gibbes says it’s Ireland’s consistency that has been the most impressive.
“I think Ireland have not only landed a Grand Slam, but I think they were consistently the most cohesive and clinical team in that Six Nations,” Gibbes said ahead of Ulster’s clash with Cardiff.
“I think what will grab New Zealand’s attention will be certainly they prepare well for every team there is no doubt about it.
“I think just that consistency of what Ireland have put together in the last couple of years, they are absolutely worthy of deep preparation as Steve Hansen’s a big fan of and worthy of total respect.”
Ireland and the All Blacks meet this November at the Aviva Stadium in what is now shaping up to be a monumental clash.
