All Black assistant Smith refusing to underestimate Ireland

NEW ZEALAND are not exactly the ideal visitors for a team scrambling for form and confidence, but All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith is of the belief Ireland are far from the fading force their results would suggest.

Journalists from the southern hemisphere tend to view all things Irish through the prism that is Brian O’Driscoll and it was a query as to the Leinster centre’s form which prompted Smith’s more encompassing reply on Declan Kidney’s men.

“If you look at his contact skills then he is as good as ever,” said Smith of a man he labelled the world’s best midfielder. “He has got power and agility still.