All Roads Lead To Dublin

'Words Can't Describe How Happy We Are With the Result and the Slam.'
 

- Rory Best

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE WORLD WAS ITCHING TO SEE THE ALL BLACKS TAKE ON THE FAST-IMPROVING ENGLAND.

The English had secured their second consecutive Six Nations, were playing powerful rugby and were clearly a devastating emerging force.

The long-scheduled All Blacks test against them this November has been one of the most hyped tests in recent memory.

Except now it would seem that the All Blacks’ much tougher challenge this year lies the week after they take on England when they head to Dublin to play the all-conquering Irish.

Ireland are now the major force in Northern Hemisphere rugby and deservedly sit at number two in the world rankings having secured their third Grand Slam.

The Irish romped through the Six Nations after a tricky start against the French which saw them scrape home well after the final whistle thanks to a long-range drop-goal.

They dispatched Italy, Wales and Scotland after that and then went to Twickenham on the final weekend – which was also St. Patrick’s Day – and became the first team to win there in two years.

And they won easily, beating England 24-15 and changing entirely the profile of the All Blacks’ end of season tour.