Sean Fitzpatrick believes Ireland are major threat to New Zealand

Legendary New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick believes Ireland ‘have got the number’ of the All Blacks and are a major threat to the champions’ pursuit of a three-in-a-row of World Cup titles this year.

Ireland made history in Chicago with their first win over New Zealand in 2016 and backed it up by beating the All Blacks in Dublin last November.

Fitzpatrick, the former hooker who won a World Cup with New Zealand in 1987 and captained them for much of the 1990s, has been highly impressed with Ireland’s progress under his countryman Joe Schmidt and believes that they have the depth to win the World Cup in Japan later this year – despite never having made it to a semi-final.

‘England and especially Ireland have got our number in terms of the way we (New Zealand) play the game,’ said Fitzpatrick.

‘Ireland have got real depth and to win World Cups, you need depth.

‘Ireland have got that, without question, and so have England. New Zealand are still the team to beat but it’s going to be hugely, hugely competitive.’ 

Meanwhile, Ireland could be without second row Iain Henderson for Sunday’s Six Nations trip to Italy after the Ulster man was yesterday cited for a neck-roll incident in the Pro14 win over Ospreys last Friday.

Henderson is expected to receive at least a one-week ban.

Ireland could be without second row Iain Henderson for Sunday’s Six Nations trip to Italy