Joe Schmidt lifts alcohol ban after Ireland's shock win over All Blacks

Ireland's Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt has revealed he has lifted an alcohol ban on his players during their flight home to Dublin. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Both teams are in the air and heading towards Europe after their Chicago showdown but there's one subtle difference between Ireland and the All Blacks - the Irish will be enjoying a beer on their trans-Atlantic flight.

Ireland's Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt has revealed he has lifted an alcohol ban on his players during their flight home to Dublin where they will face the All Blacks in what will be a titanic return clash on Sunday week.

Schmidt inferred he doubted he would have been able to enforce a ban on the players given the significance of their feat in beating New Zealand for the first time in 111 years.

While prepared to let his playing squad enjoy the spoils of their 40-29 victory, Schmidt also admitted Ireland must quickly refocus,

"I really thought the players did themselves proud, and they did their country proud," said Schmidt. "I actually said something inadvertently during the week like 'If you win here I don't really care too much about what you do for the rest of the series'. So I've put my foot in it there!

"There's an alcohol ban for the players on the flight home, but that will probably be lifted as soon as the boys sit down."

The All Blacks have also jetted out of Chicago, heading towards Rome where they will face Italy on Sunday. However, no alcohol will be passing their lips with the customary ban on flights still in place as the vanquished squad lick their wounds.

Hansen had plenty of praise for Schmidt on yesterday's test.

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

"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."

Meanwhile, Schmidt will be without at least one of his heroes in Chicago when they square off against the All Blacks again.

Back rower Jordi Murphy looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a knee ligament problem.