Legacy and history are quickly becoming key themes for this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final between the All Blacks and Ireland.
The All Blacks are looking to defy recent history to add to their legacy at the World Cup while Ireland are looking to forge more of both come Sunday morning.
On paper, the latter are clear favourites to do so – they’re the No.1 team in the world, boast a 17-Test winning streak and in this Rugby World Cup cycle have beaten the All Blacks in three of the four encounters.
Despite those looming statistics, All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan told media this morning there wasn’t a fear of failure in camp for this weekend.
"The All Black jersey means a lot to us,” Ryan said.
“We have talked a lot over the last few months over the legacy of the black jersey and what it means. You talk about someone like Sean Fitzpatrick, he properly set the All Blacks legacy alight with what he did.
“Are we scared of failure? No. But do we want embrace the legacy and what we want to achieve? Yes, and we want to walk towards it."
The All Blacks are boosted by news that first-choice tighthead Tyrel Lomax appears to be working through the knee injury he sustained in last week’s big win over Uruguay to finish pool play.
“He's trained really well today, got through what he needed to and definitely he will be considered for selection," Ryan said.
Ryan added it was “important” to have the entire squad available for selection for the quarter-finals after resting some of their stars last week – a tactic Ireland haven’t used as much in the World Cup.
"We like to keep everyone hungry. I think it is important that everyone is competing in training and we have given everyone a crack in this World Cup,” he said.
“We are really clear on who our starting line-up is and it is full steam ahead for this final. This is where you want to be. It's where the players want to be, in a final.
“It's where you want to be as a coach and it's where the All Blacks want to be. That is an opportunity we are looking forward to against the number one team in the world."
Midfielder Rieko Ioane said it’s a mindset pulsating through the camp.
"We are never scared to lose. If there are any questions in our belief, it is unwavering because we know what we have in this group,” Ioane added.
“For myself the fear of losing doesn't ever cross my mind. On the motivation that this group has and the energy we thrive off of each other is motivation enough.
“We don't like to take a glass half empty view on things."
There is a skeleton looming in Ireland’s closet though.
Ireland entered the 2019 Rugby World Cup with similar hopes after beating the All Blacks twice in their last three outings and even spending time ranked as World No.1 before the two sides met in the quarter-finals.
The All Blacks then produced a masterclass against their new rivals, ending Ireland’s campaign with a comprehensive 46-14 win.
It added another unwanted chapter to Ireland’s failures at the World Cup which has seen them never advance past the quarter-finals in seven attempts.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith, who started the quarter-final four years ago in Tokyo and scored twice in the encounter, said the new rivalry was good for New Zealand.
"My whole All Black career I have had very tough encounters against Ireland," Smith said.
"They are who I debuted against so some fond memories for me. Ups and downs, wins and losses but they are a great team."
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