Eddie O'Sullivan: 'Irish rugby has come of age. We're arguably the best team in the world'

Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has said Ireland have a claim to be the best team in the world after their 16-9 win over New Zealand.

Eddie O'Sullivan: 'Irish rugby has come of age. We're arguably the best team in the world'

Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has said Ireland have a claim to be the best team in the world after their 16-9 win over New Zealand.

The RTÉ pundit said Ireland were the better team "by a mile" in a first-ever home victory over the All Blacks.

"Today Irish rugby has come of age. There was times we flirted with the top-five. This is real," he said.

"We are arguably the best team in the world after today. I know we're second in the rankings but we were the better team today by a mile.

"To be fair to New Zealand, we played absolutely brilliantly, they played brilliantly but we held them off and we were the better side.

"We had the character to keep defending, defending, defending.

"This is it. We all talked before the game that the best team was going to walk away today, so we've come of age as a rugby nation.

"We'll be taken seriously by anyone who wants to play us now."

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Ronan O'Gara 13/4/2024 Ronan O'Gara throws hat in ring to be future France head coach
Scott Bemand 23/4/2024 No quick fixes for Ireland but Six Nations still a 'viable competition'
Simon Zebo 23/4/2024 'Fond memories' bring Munster back to their Cape Town happy place
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited