All Blacks fullback Will Jordan said Saturday’s [NZT] Test against Ireland in Dublin was another opportunity to assess their development on their route to reclaiming No1 status in world rugby.
Jordan said, “It doesn’t get any bigger than on Friday against an Ireland side that has been very tough to beat over the previous couple of years.
“We want to be the best team in the world. Ireland are the No1 in the rankings and at home, it’s going to be a big challenge.”
Jordan said the All Blacks were expecting plenty of early passion from Ireland, especially in their first game at home for some time.
There had been talk about the rivalry between the sides over the last few years.
“Both teams will be excited, but we know the threats they’ve got across the park, particularly on attack with a great attacking structure.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us and we’re excited about it.”
After their heavy penalty count against England, prop Tyrell Lomax said they would be looking to reduce their count.
They have worked on that, along with how they close games and said it was pleasing to have fought back to get their last try to head England and then held on after Anton Lienert-Brown’s late yellow card.
“We put pressure on their scrum when they had a chance to take a dropped goal and the way we finished that game showed we are growing in that area.”
Jordan said first five-eighths Damian McKenzie is exciting to play alongside.
“Damian’s someone who loves to play the game with an attacking mindset and flair. I’ve had a couple of games with him at 10 and me at the back, and I’ve enjoyed the combination we’ve had.
“We get on well off the park together, we’re good friends, so it’s always fun running out with someone that you’re close with. He’ll be excited and ready to take this opportunity. He’s had some great moments for us in the black jersey this year.”
He said the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal win over Ireland had not been part of their preparation.
“We’ve got a new coaching staff and are playing the game a bit differently than we were then, and similarly for them. They’ve got an old coach of mine, Andrew Goodman, come in, so I’m sure they would have made some adjustments as well. And there’s been a decent change among our team from what we had 12 months ago, so it is a bit of a clean slate in that regard.”
Jordan said he felt Goodman would have been looking to utilise Ireland wing and former Tasman player James Lowe’s left foot on the left side of the field.
“He’s a real threat there, and the way they have a lot of bodies in motion, constantly coming at you with front doors, back doors, guys off the 9-10 tip is challenging so, I’m sure he’ll be just trying to continue what they’ve done in that space over the last few years.”
Lomax said of the scrum battle at the World Cup that he could understand why Ireland may have been upset about the penalties they conceded.
“I certainly do every time I get penalised so it’ll be a battle.”
Ireland’s scrum is strong, stable, and as good as any in the northern hemisphere.
“They look for a good hit, a good second chance.”
He said the All Blacks scrum still had more improvement.
“They way the bench came on [against England] and changed the game with our scrum was awesome. But as starters it is about laying a good platform for our back and trying to set a bit of dominance early would be a key.”