Les Kiss seal of approval for Rory Best

Rory Best has been hailed as one of Ireland’s toughest ever Test competitors as the captain closes in on 100 caps.

Ulster rugby director Les Kiss coached Best with Ireland for six years, and ranks the gritty hooker among the most durable stars of the international arena.

Best will draw level on 98 appearances with Peter Stringer as Ireland’s fifth most-capped player should he start Saturday’s clash with New Zealand in Chicago as expected.