Former All Blacks boss Steve Hansen was quick to remind Ireland of their 'choker' reputation after their Grand Slam win.
Hansen was at the helm in 2019 when his side beat Joe Schmidt's side 46-14.
Ireland would start 2019 as the top side team in the world before capitulating in both the Six Nations and warm-up games.
And Hansen was full of praise for the job Andy Farrell has done with Ireland following their Grand Slam win but also was quick to remind the side of their 'choker reputation'.
Speaking to press, Hansen said: "Ireland were good throughout the Six Nations. In that final game, they started off a bit shaky and England rattled them a bit, but once the red card came, it was game over and they were good enough to take advantage of it.
"They’re going well, ranked number one in the world and they’ve had a great year so far.
"Every time a team is number one in the world, you’ve got to consider them to be a World Cup contender – but it’s a tough tournament to win, and they were number one going into the last one, weren’t they?
"So, they’ve seemed to struggle a little bit at World Cups. If it was the All Blacks, they’d probably be called ‘chokers’".
Ireland have never made it past the quarter-finals of the World Cup, losing convincingly in each of their three previous appearances.
READ MORE:
Josh Van der Flier praises 'Hero' Johnny Sexton after Grand Slam win
Try hero Dan Sheehan lost for words after historic home Grand Slam success
Johnny Sexton says more to come from Ireland after fairytale Grand Slam triumph
Player ratings as Ireland make history and secure home grand slam triumph
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alert
