Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan believes Ireland can expect a response from the All Blacks following the defeat handed to them at the Aviva last Autumn.
Speaking to the media earlier today, the Leinster man remarked on how the fact he’s on this tour is the culmination of one of his earlier goals.
“At the start of my season, coming to New Zealand for a summer tour was definitely one of my main goals. To be here with all the history that is here, how hard how hard it is to win here, it’s something special, that we get to have a crack at the All Blacks at their home ground.”
An occasion like this does not need much extra building up in Sheehan’s mind, given all the talking points already heading in. What is important, is that his side are ready for anything:
“It builds it up itself, I think. Any All Blacks game, especially on their home turf, is going to be a massive game and it’s going to build up in your mind. We’ve been thinking about this game all year and especially after the autumn game, we’re expecting a reaction. And I think we’re ready for whatever comes tomorrow.”
On top of the All Blacks revenge mission, the sheer quality of both sides is another reason to expect a great occasion:
“I think both teams are peaking at the best level. They’ve been at the top level of rugby and I think everyone’s expectations are going to be that it’s going to come down to the smallest little things and hopefully we’ll be able to put on a good show for the audience.
“I’m sure they want to get a bit of revenge on us for for winning over in the Aviva in November, but like that’s the same as any team after they lose. They want to come back and win. So yeah, we’re expecting a reaction from them but like, our motivation is at top level as well.”
Finally, the daunting task of being the first team to knock off the All Blacks in Eden Park is an opportunity Sheehan and his teammates relish:
“To have not lost here in 28 years, I wasn’t even born (when the All Blacks last lost in Eden Park) so that has its pressures, but at the same time, it’s a massive opportunity for an Irish team to come over and win on on New Zealand soil for the first time.”
Kickoff for the New Zealand All Blacks v Ireland tomorrow is 8:05AM Irish time.
