New Zealand's attempts to rattle Ireland before the first Test may backfire, with the tourists' coach Andy Farrell saying his side have been made stronger by 'backhanded compliments'.
New Zealand’s attempts to rattle Ireland before the first Test may backfire, with the tourists’ coach Andy Farrell saying his side have been made stronger by “backhanded compliments”.
A third said “4 Kiwis in the team. That might help your odds a little,” referring to Ireland’s four New Zealand-born players Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki, Joey Carbery and James Lowe. Farrell said that All Blacks fans had also been quick to pile in with their opinions when the Ireland players were out and about, but he said the reception just made his players stronger.“Walk through the streets of Auckland, there’s always a backhanded compliment which is great. We expect that.”
“We embrace this tour together. We’re certainly not two sides, we’re one team trying to do the best we can together.”