WE’RE STILL MORE than six months away from the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup but that doesn’t mean teams in the Southern Hemisphere are not paying attention to what’s happening in Europe.
On their official site, New Zealand today published a list of ‘Nine things the All Blacks might have noticed about the Six Nations’ and — unsurprisingly given their three wins from three — Ireland are foremost in their minds.
First up, they name Johnny Sexton as the “most dangerous man in Europe.”
However, while they seem to doubt Sexton’s place as the best 10 in world rugby, they do add that “first five-eighths in the Southern Hemisphere might bristle at this tag but won’t deny the perils the 29-year-old can bring to an opposition defence.”
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There’s also praise for how well the Irish scrum held up against England and a comparison between Robbie Heshaw and Sonny Bill Williams but it’s their comments on Joe Schmidt — his Kiwi stock rising with every win — that are the most intriguing.
After calling the Ireland head coach ‘Superman’ they go on to say:
“Keeping a lid on expectations will be key. If the mighty feat of a Slam is achieved, it will be difficult for the Irish to keep their craic under control heading into the Rugby World Cup.”
All Blacks call Joe Schmidt Superman... then say Ireland need to temper expectations
WE’RE STILL MORE than six months away from the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup but that doesn’t mean teams in the Southern Hemisphere are not paying attention to what’s happening in Europe.
On their official site, New Zealand today published a list of ‘Nine things the All Blacks might have noticed about the Six Nations’ and — unsurprisingly given their three wins from three — Ireland are foremost in their minds.
First up, they name Johnny Sexton as the “most dangerous man in Europe.”
However, while they seem to doubt Sexton’s place as the best 10 in world rugby, they do add that “first five-eighths in the Southern Hemisphere might bristle at this tag but won’t deny the perils the 29-year-old can bring to an opposition defence.”
There’s also praise for how well the Irish scrum held up against England and a comparison between Robbie Heshaw and Sonny Bill Williams but it’s their comments on Joe Schmidt — his Kiwi stock rising with every win — that are the most intriguing.
After calling the Ireland head coach ‘Superman’ they go on to say:
Saracens have added another powerful back row to their squad
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6 Nations Six Nations Ireland Man of Steel No ordinary Joe Not all black and white Rugby New Zealand view down under