Experienced All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor has described this Saturday’s Test against Ireland at Eden Park as his team’s biggest Test of the year to date.
The Irish, who have become hugely respected rivals of the All Blacks since first beating them in 2016 and then claiming an historic series victory in New Zealand in 2022, will arrive in Auckland with belief after Nations Championship victories over the Wallabies and Japan.
And, while head coach Dave Rennie today sought to slightly play down the importance of the Test at his team’s fortress, where they have not tasted defeat since 1994, Taylor was unequivocal.
“It’s our biggest challenge so far,” he told 1News. “We’ve had a good couple of weeks but, personally, I’ve always had this one in the back of my mind knowing it’s going to be a step up and a big Test for us. If we can get the job done it will really set us up nicely for what’s ahead.
“The Irish are a class side. I think they’ve won their last six. They have a real belief in how they play and it’s always a tough Test against them. Physically, we’re going to have to step up and definitely defensively as well.”
The clash is significant for all sorts of reasons, not least that the All Blacks’ 52-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park is on the line.
It will be Rennie’s first Test there in his new role – he has previously coached the Wallabies there, to a loss.
The clash will likely play a big part in whether the All Blacks or the Springboks make the Nations Championship final at Twickenham in November – the two rivals are currently level on competition points.
And it will be the final hit out before the All Blacks head to South Africa for an epic tour which takes in four matches plus three Tests against the world champions (plus another in the United States).
“It’s always nice to go to Eden Park,” said Rennie drily, after being reminded of his Wallabies connection. “It will be nice to have a lot of supporters cheering for us. It’s been a fortress, but what’s happened in the past counts for little. It’s about us getting our preparation right and mindset right to play against an Irish side that, the last time they toured this country, they won a series.
“There’s a healthy amount of respect for the Irish. We’re well aware of their ability. They’ll come in and genuinely believe they can beat us.”
For their part, the All Blacks believe they are in a good position to display further improvements after a mixed performance first up against France and a better one against Italy in Wellington at the weekend.
They are still striving for balance on attack, with Rennie saying a kicking option along with their “optimistic” running mindset would break the game up and potentially provide them with counter-attacking options, and they feel they have made shifts on defence.
There is the set piece to consider, though, that will need to be far better after conceding a couple of scrum penalties against Italy.
Neither Rennie nor Taylor believed this was an issue, however.
“They’re a good scrum, Italy,” Rennie said. “They dominated Ireland and others in the Six Nations. Like all coaches, we’ll debate a couple of those decisions… I think our scrum was solid. It’s going to need to be very good this week.”
Taylor said: “Northern Hemisphere teams have different techniques and strategies. We probably didn’t respond to it very well. We’ll definitely have a look at it – it’s going to be the same with Ireland.”
To the likely selections then
Injuries will probably not play a big part in selections this week, although outside back/midfielder Rieko Ioane has joined the squad after his return from Irish club Leinster due to shoulder issues for Leroy Carter and Fehi Fineanganofo.
However, Ioane will likely have joined more as training cover because it would surprise if Caleb Clarke, not required last weekend, did not start on the left wing due to his ability under the high ball.
Flanker Luke Jacobson, withdrawn for Anton Segner at halftime against Italy due to cramp, and lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who has yet to play in this campaign due to a calf niggle, will be available, Rennie said.
Looking ahead to the South Africa trip, Rennie said he would add 10 players (probably six forwards and four backs, but potentially a seven/three split) for a squad of 44 that would be announced seven days or so after the Ireland Test.
Former skipper Scott Barrett remains unavailable for the trip due to back surgery in May but Rennie had better news about fellow lock Fabian Holland, who has not played this year due to a dislocated shoulder in a Super Rugby pre-season match.
“Fabian is a chance,” Rennie said. “He’ll have a hit out with Otago early before we name the team.
“Fabian’s rehab has been excellent. He’s in good nick. We’ve been keeping a good eye on him – we’ve had video footage of what he’s been doing. It will just be nice for him to get some game time in for Otago and hopefully be available.”
Back to Ireland and the growing rivalry that includes an epic quarter-final victory for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup which will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to watch live at the Stade de France.
It is a little ironic that Ioane comes in during this week of all weeks after his running battles with the now retired Johnny Sexton, and others, but it is fitting nonetheless.
Bad blood or normal Test rivalry? Taylor was asked.
The latter, he said, before adding: “That comes from Ireland being a great side and beating us a few times. As All Blacks, you take that personally.”
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