All Blacks coach Scott Robertson concedes recent history between NZ and Ireland - both on and off the pitch - has added some spice to their Test at Dublin this weekend.
New Zealand's joy at overcoming England at Twickenham has been tempered by head knocks to veteran first-five Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor.
Next up is an encounter that carries extra intrigue from recent meetings, with Ireland prevailing on Kiwi soil for the first time in 2022 during a run of five wins in eight encounters, before the All Blacks rebounded to eliminate their rivals in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals the following year.
The results tell only half the story though. The related byplay suggests these teams don't always see eye to eye.
"There's definitely an edge," confirmed Robertson. "They won a Test series in New Zealand and it came down to the final play at the World Cup.
"There's been a few words sprayed back and forward, and that's the great thing about our game, especially internationally. It brings the international game together because of these stories and rivalry.
Recent history has added spice to their upcoming Test at Dublin. (Source: 1News)
"Both teams will have enough motivation of recent history and past history."
As the Irish clinched their series win at Wellington two years ago, they informed then-All Blacks captain Sam Cane he was "a s**t Richie McCaw".
After their World Cup rematch, All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane reportedly told Ireland first-five Johnny Sexton to "enjoy retirement and don't miss your flight home".
"So much for the All Blacks' famous 'no dickheads' policy," wrote Sexton in his autobiography. "So much for their humility.
"I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble f**ker."
Ioane responded to Sexton with a social media post featuring the "in your head" lyrics from Irish rock song Zombie, by The Cranberries.
With Sexton seemingly enjoying retirement, Ioane will likely return this week to help write another chapter in the rivalry.
"You tap into it, but it's not your focus," said Robertson. "Both teams are well coached, well organised... they're a helluva team and have had a good week-and-a-bit to get ready for us.
"Our focus will go onto playing well and Friday night will be some battle."
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