Joe Schmidt: We’ve poked the All Black bear

Joe Schmidt believes Ireland’s sensational victory over the All Blacks has “poked the bear” ahead of their rematch with the world champions in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland produced a stunning performance in Chicago nine days ago when they ran in five tries to become only the fifth side to score 40 points or more against New Zealand. It was their first victory over the All Blacks in 29 attempts dating back to 1905 and Kiwi ire will be further stoked by the way their 18-match winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt in their 40-29 defeat at Soldier Field.

Schmidt is understandably expecting a backlash at a sold-out Aviva Stadium when he believes New Zealand, who hammered Italy 68-10 in Rome on Saturday, will be much sharper than they were in Chicago and fired up by the unwanted tag of being the first All Blacks players to lose to Ireland.