Steve Hansen lauds Joe Schmidt after Ireland's historic triumph over All Blacks

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen lavished praises on Joe Schmidt after he led Ireland to a historic victory over the All Blacks at Soldier Field on Saturday.

The 40-29 victory of Ireland was their first against New Zealand in 111 years and in the process they also ended the All Blacks' 18-match unbeaten streak.

Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray scored first half tries while Simon Zebo and Robbie Henshaw ensured Ireland crossed the line which they failed in 2013 through their second half performance.

Hansen had credited Schmidt for the success and described him as "one of the best coaches around".

"He's probably one of the best coaches around," said Hansen of Ireland boss Schmidt.

"He's meticulous in his work ethic, a good analyst of the game and that's why Ireland want to keep him and why New Zealand wanted to bring him home."

Recently, Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced that Schmidt has signed a contract extension with the board, which will keep him with Ireland until 2019 World Cup.

There were reports emerging that the 51-year-old is eyeing a role with the Super Rugby Club Chiefs or Highlanders but Hansen is confident that he will take Irish Rugby to a new heights during his remaining tenure.

"It's good for Joe, and Joe's a really good man, I've got a lot of time for him as all our coaching staff has; he's a top bloke," said Hansen of Schmidt.

"He's working hard and trying to do something with Ireland and he's having some success.

"They're having a great year, they've knocked over South Africa and they've knocked us over. So he'll be feeling pretty pleased with himself and so he should.

"He's done a good job with them and the rest of his crew are supporting him.

"So I don't think there's any big significance.

"Some people will get excited about it I suppose but it doesn't make any difference to us who it is.

"You don't like losing at the best of times but in saying that you have to accept it.

"Thankfully we get another opportunity in a couple of weeks' time and we will see if we are good enough then."