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Ireland’s Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt brushes off 'boring' criticism ahead of Six Nations

February 1, 2019

England's assistant coach John Mitchell gave his Kiwi counterpart stick for playing "boring" rugby. (Source: Other)

Ireland's Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt has fired back at England's assistant coach John Mitchell, after the former All Blacks coach called his team "boring".

While Schmidt says it's crucial to respect opponents, he played down Mitchell's comments as banter.

Schmidt is gearing up for his final Six Nations campaign with Ireland.

"It doesn't distract me because it's not immediately relevant to what I'm doing," said Schmidt.

"I've known Mitch for a long time so it would be good to catch up with him and the banter can be face to face."

Ireland take on England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin in their opening Six Nations match on Sunday (NZ time).

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