The moment the All Blacks sent out canned Steve Hansen quotes about Ireland being underdogs, you knew that would be the theme at Carton House.
And so it transpired. Sean O’Brien, Paddy Jackson and Iain Henderson are back in the Ireland squad but everyone wanted to know about Ireland being labelled favourites against the world champions.
Schmidt named his match-day squad to a packed room at Ireland’s headquarters in Maynooth. There was some house-keeping to be done – injuries, selection calls – and then it came.
What do you think of Hansen calling his All Blacks underdogs for Saturday’s match. Schmidt launched into it:
“You’d love to think that way, wouldn’t you?Â
“I wouldn’t suggest that Steve become a bookmaker. I think we’re about 6/1.
“It’s probably better than the 12 or 13/1 we were in Chicago. Maybe, comparatively, we are a bit better off but I certainly wouldn’t put us as favourites.”
The Irish coach was more than ready to reel off the All Blacks extraordinary recent international record. Schmidt continued:
“They are a team that won 18 games in a row against some of the best teams in the world and done it by some margin. I think everyone is deserved a hiccup.
“We deserved to get our nose in front when we did [last time]. The players really rolled their sleeves up, dug in and managed to protect the lead they had at the time but I don’t think they are going to afford us any head-starts this weekend.”
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Our favourite part of the whole interaction was Johnny Sexton’s face when Schmidt was asked about the Kiwis being underdogs.
Look at Schmidt too. Practically salivating.
He was ready. You better believe he was ready.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
