Andy Farrell: All Blacks are ultimate Test of Ireland’s World Cup credentials

Andy Farrell believes Ireland’s forthcoming tour of New Zealand will provide the “ultimate” test and serve as vital preparation for next year’s World Cup.

Head coach Farrell is eager to take his in-form team out of their comfort zone and on Tuesday named a 40-man selection for next month’s three-match series against the formidable All Blacks.

Ireland have impressed for much of the past 18 months, winning 12 of their last 13 fixtures, including a pulsating defeat of Ian Foster’s Kiwis in Dublin in the autumn.

"This is the ultimate, we're talking about building towards a World Cup and it doesn't get any tougher than going to New Zealand."