Expected.

Former Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan has revealed he spoke to prop Cian Healy almost immediately after their win over the All Blacks on Saturday, and had an interesting conversation with him that speaks volumes about the current Ireland team.

Speaking on Off The Ball, Quinlan says Healy and his Ireland teammates were not surprised by their victory over the world champions, as they “expected to win” such is the confidence of the current squad under Joe Schmidt.

“I told him cheer up a little bit. You’re just after beating New Zealand, it’s the second time in 113 years.” Quinlan said.

“He was there –  ‘we expected to win.’” 

“I don’t think he’ll mind me saying that. And that’s not an insult. He genuinely believed that they’re [Ireland] good enough to win these games now.”

“If we were playing New Zealand next Saturday would we back it up? I think we would.”

Fascinating insight. This Ireland team clearly have their sights set on winning a Rugby World Cup next year. And they believe they can do it.