Friday 18 November 2016 08:59, UK
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has dismissed his New Zealand counterpart Steve Hansen's suggestion that the All Blacks are the underdogs for Saturday's Test in Dublin.
New Zealand's 18-match winning streak was halted by Ireland earlier this month as they went down 40-29 in Chicago, a historic first success for the Irish in 29 Tests against the world champions.
The All Blacks bounced back from that defeat to thump Italy 68-10 in Rome last weekend and the bookmakers have installed them as around the 1/9 favourites to follow that up at the Aviva Stadium, a price Schmidt appears to agree with.
"You'd love to think that we're favourites wouldn't you?" said Schmidt. "But I wouldn't suggest that Steve Hansen becomes a bookmaker!
"I think we're at about 6/1, not that we're allowed to indulge in that. It's a bit better than the 13/1 we were in Chicago.
"You certainly wouldn't put us as favourites. I think everyone is due a hiccup."
Schmidt also believes Hansen was not indulging in mind games by branding Ireland as favourites for the rematch in Dublin.
"I don't think so, I know Steve pretty well," said Schmidt.
"Based on a recent result he's put his summation on that. I don't think he believes we'll pay too much heed to that, because we know the quality they have.
"Part of that quality is their coaching team. I learned a lot off some of the people who are involved there.
"I think they are still in a really strong position.
"We just want to try to focus on our own performance, try to use Chicago as a reference point.
"I certainly don't believe that there was any disrespect from the All Blacks or arrogance in Chicago.
"We've got huge respect for them, how could you not have for a team that's won the last two World Cups."
Watch Ireland v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Saturday from 4.45pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV pass. No contract
