Andy Farrell says Ireland must take the game to New Zealand if they are to end the All Blacks’ remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park on Saturday.
Ireland head into the blockbuster Nations Championship clash on a seven-match winning streak and can climb above New Zealand into second place in the world rankings with victory.
Standing in their way is an All Blacks side unbeaten in 52 Tests at Eden Park, but Farrell insists trying to contain the hosts is not the answer.
“They’re a brilliant attacking side and that’s probably never going to change, so you have to score points,” Farrell said.
“We’re confident in our own ability to score points and we know that if we click and we put our best performance out there, that we can cause any team trouble.”
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Both teams are unbeaten after two rounds of the inaugural Nations Championship.
Ireland edged Australia 33-31 before beating Japan 36-20, while Dave Rennie’s reign as All Blacks coach has begun with victories over France (34-32) and Italy (47-17).
Farrell also praised the attacking approach Rennie has brought to New Zealand.
“I respect the way that Dave’s gone about his business in regards to how outspoken he’s been in the style of rugby that he wants to play,” he said. “I think he’s quite refreshing, actually. So it’s there for all to see.
“And he’s brought a bit of steel back to them as well. So it certainly makes them very dangerous.”
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Ireland have recalled wing Robert Baloucoune after he recovered from a hamstring injury, while Tadhg Beirne returns to the starting pack.
Rennie expects Ireland to challenge through their well-drilled attacking structure and kicking game, but says the All Blacks have a clear plan to disrupt them.
“They’ve got a really good kicking game and they’ll apply pressure through that,” Rennie said.
“There’s a lot of detail within their attack. They’ve got a real good short passing game and they’re prepared to go multi-phase.
“Our job is to get them out of their comfort zone. We’re going to have to bar up big time at the set-piece and we’re pretty confident with the group we’ve got that we can apply pressure there.”
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Rennie has again backed young flyhalf Ruben Love ahead of veteran Beauden Barrett, while Tupou Vaa’i shifts from lock to blindside flank to add extra size to the All Blacks pack.
Although several players featured in Ireland’s historic 2022 series victory in New Zealand, Rennie believes that result will have little bearing on Saturday’s contest.
“We’re a different team and so are they,” he said. “We’ve obviously had a look at their performances over the last couple of weeks and they’ve got a good side and a lot of good combinations.
“Their guys have played a lot of footy together so they’ll be tough.”
– AFP
Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The post Ireland won’t die wondering appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Andy Farrell says Ireland must take the game to New Zealand if they are to end the All Blacks’ remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park on Saturday.
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