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All Blacks assistant says NZ has 'massive respect' for Ireland ahead of Dublin Test

November 14, 2018

New Zealand, ranked No.1 in the world rugby standings, face Ireland this weekend who are ranked No.2.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster expects the clash between New Zealand and Ireland in Dublin this weekend to be another tight contest.

Foster believes there has always between mutual respect between both nations.

"I think there has always been a real healthy respect between New Zealand and Ireland," said Foster.

"Whilst Chicago (2016) was the first victory (for Ireland over the All Blacks), there was so many close calls before that weren't there?

"My first ever series in this role was 2012 against them and I think we got a drop-goal in the last minute in Christchurch to win.

"You know we have got massive respect for the way Ireland play their rugby and their form the last two years."

Foster praised Ireland's coaches Joe Schmidt and Andy Farell work, for elevating the rugby side to being one of the top ranked sides in the world.

"And like I've already said the likes of Joe (Schmidt) and Andy (Farell) – those guys have done a great job.

"They have got a great bunch of players, you know they have got guys who have performed both with their province and with their country so they're confident but so are we."

The All Blacks are ranked No.1 in the world rankings with Ireland ranked No.2.

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