Reddan relishing All Black attack

IRISH scrum-half Eoin Reddan stood tall yesterday as he promised New Zealand the mother of all battles at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The smart money is on the All Blacks to continue their relentless drive to a northern hemisphere clean sweep with another victory over struggling Ireland, but Reddan stood up to suggestions that his side would capitulate yet again.

For starters, he took full responsibility for a misjudged pass that allowed world champions South Africa score a first-half try a fortnight ago and conceded that it probably cost Ireland a much-needed victory.