Dublin - Ireland will improve on their Six Nations title form and mount a major World Cup bid, according to the next international coach aiming to outwit Joe Schmidt.
Former Australia boss Robbie Deans takes charge of the Barbarians at Thomond Park on May 28 - when Ireland return to action for the first time since lifting the Six Nations trophy at Murrayfield.
Deans has watched Ireland’s development at close quarters. His Australia side were beaten by them in the pool stages of the 2011 World Cup after registering wins at the Aviva Stadium in 2008 and 2010.