Farrell: We need to top November performance to beat All Blacks in their own backyard 

All-Black scrum-half Aaron Smith has also been speaking on the growing rivalry between the two nations.

IMPROVEMENT NEEDED: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

The New Zealand charm offensive was in full flow yesterday as Ireland were buttered up and praised by a procession of senior All Blacks ahead of tomorrow morning’s first Test.

Yet while the experience of hearing Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor’s appreciation of Irish rugby prowess will be new for an Irish squad experienced enough to remember when they were used to being ignored rather than lauded they should be cute enough not to roll over and have their tummies tickled just yet.