Rassie Erasmus claims that Ireland and New Zealand have delivered the best performances to date of the World Cup.
The former Munster supremo will be watching Ireland like a hawk as the sides are on a quarter-final collision course in less than four weeks time.
"I was very impressed with Ireland - apart from New Zealand, I think Ireland were the only other team that put a full 80 minutes of constructive, well planned, decisive, clinical rugby," said Erasmus.
"They were physical and played really good tactical rugby – the same as New Zealand.
"I think that shows in the world rankings. Everybody is blasting the world rankings but those are the two teams who I think have been really consistent in the last two years.
"Yes, they will be a really tough opponent and it looks like we will have to play them. But then again, I want to mention that they still have to get past Japan, which I think is slippery.
"And we still have to get past Italy and also two other very energetic opponents."
Erasmus has been busy re-evaluating his masterplan after last Saturday's loss to the All Blacks.
”I fully take on board that there are some things we have to change if we want to win this World Cup," he stated.
"The negative, now that we lost, is losing a little bit of confidence. Now we have four big games - Italy, and then quarter-final, semi-final and final, if we do beat Italy".
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
