Ireland’s newest star Joe McCarthy hopes to put into practice what he has learnt from Springboks powerhouse RG Snyman when he faces the All Blacks on Friday.
The second-row will likely start in the Dublin clash, just over a year after he made a significant impression in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
A relative unknown at the time, McCarthy made a superb cameo appearance in the last-eight despite Andy Farrell’s men succumbing 28-24 to the All Blacks.
Since then, the 23-year-old has gone from strength-to-strength and has become an integral part of the Ireland side in 2024.
He is still learning his trade, however, and has been getting some tips off recent Leinster addition Snyman, who was part of the Springboks squad that won the 2023 World Cup with a 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the final.
‘A game changer’
“He’s awesome,” said McCarthy. “He’s not just a big brute, he’s a very intelligent rugby player so he’s had a lot of impact in lineout defence and attack groups. It’s great to learn from him.
“The dark arts in South Africa, he’s bringing it in and nuances like that. He’s a bit of a game changer and can make an opportunity from anything. He’s exciting to play with.”
The All Blacks themselves have been masters of the ‘dark arts’, but it is just one of a number of areas where Scott Robertson’s men could excel.
New Zealand relish the physical side of the game but they are renowned for their attacking play, which means that Ireland have to be switched on at all times according to McCarthy.
“I played a couple of New Zealand teams – the Maoris – and once against the All Blacks before. The physicality is definitely there. I feel like mentally you have to be quite switched on. They’re dangerous at any aspect,” he said.
“If you leave a short side they’ll whip back down there, or quick lineout throws. You’re almost mentally fatigued, because you’re trying to switch on even when you’re wrecked.
“That’s one of the biggest differences. You’re always on, ready for anything like quick taps or quick throws. They’ll see space and take it.”
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Grudge match
Friday’s clash at the Aviva Stadium will be the first between the two since that World Cup quarter-final in what has become a bit of a grudge match.
The release of Johnny Sexton’s autobiography last month dialled it up a notch, with the legendary Ireland fly-half detailing his encounter with All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane following the loss.
Ioane, who will likely start in Dublin, doubled down after Sexton’s revelations, which will no doubt add some spice to the contest.
Both teams therefore have added motivation going into this game, but it is the All Blacks who may ultimately be better placed.
While Ireland will be playing their first Test since July, New Zealand have had a whole Rugby Championship campaign and recently came through a huge challenge against England.
“It’s an interesting one whether it’s better to be battle-hardened going into a game or be fresh,” McCarthy said. “A lot of our guys have played a lot of games in the URC, which is quite competitive. We pride ourselves on being able to come together as fast as possible.
“We don’t make any excuses. Even if it’s the first game up, we don’t ease ourselves into it – we expect to hit the ground running. We don’t have any excuse for not being cohesive because it’s our first game.
“Every game starts on zero. You have to make it happen. No matter what position you play, you’re playing against 15 top quality rugby players, so you’re preparing as hard as you can.
“We’ve had a good track record the last few years, we’ve earned the right to have a bit of confidence going into games. There’s nerves in big Test matches but we’re confident in what we can do, and definitely won’t be taking the All Blacks lightly.”