Ireland is suspected of spying on training in New Zealand

While Ireland is suspected of sending a photographer to spy on New Zealand training, the club’s XV assistant coach was questioned about the matter on Friday morning, the eve of the electric quarter-final match between the two teams.

Are all methods good to prepare for the World Cup quarter-finals? As New Zealand and Ireland face each other in a clash expected to get heated on Saturday at the Stade de France (9pm kick-off), XV du Trèfle are suspected of sending a photographer to spy on the All Blacks training.

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This topic was even brought up on Friday in the two teams’ press conference. As reported The IndependentMike Catt, Ireland’s assistant coach, first had to answer a question from a New Zealand journalist, who was not beating around the bush: “Did you send a photographer to All Blacks training yesterday? Is that something you normally do?”

Mike Cat, somewhat confused, responded with a burst of laughter. “I’m sorry, I didn’t watch the All Blacks training. I’m sorry, I didn’t watch it, so…”

“I certainly didn’t see any photographers hiding in the bushes.”

According to The Independent, Inpho, Ireland’s largest photography agency, was present at this famous training. This agency often works closely with Clover XV during tournaments… but it is an independent agency and has every right to attend the open portion of All Blacks training.

A few hours after the Irish press conference, New Zealand coach Ian Foster was questioned about this by the media. “I haven’t heard of it. I don’t want to be rude, but I haven’t heard of it,” the All Blacks boss confirmed. Before playing down the matter: “I certainly did not see any photographers hiding in the bushes.” However, it would have added more excitement to this already electric shock.