Gregor Paul of the New Zealand Herald is growing increasingly appreciative of the threat posed by Declan Kidney's men.
"They have beaten Australia, sliced the Italians and played convincing rugby yet how many people truly believe Ireland can win this World Cup? How many New Zealanders can see the Irish lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in a few weeks?
"There is an in-built southern hemisphere superiority complex. The winner, so everyone domiciled south of the Equator believes, will come from the All Blacks' side of the draw. If it's not New Zealand then it's either going to be South Africa or Australia who triumphs. Let's be honest - that's what we all think. Secretly, or not so secretly, Kiwis, Australians and South Africans don't rate the Celts. They are wary but not fearful of them."
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