New Zealand's Eden Park Unbeaten Run Under Threat
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie acknowledged the challenge posed by Ireland as the two unbeaten teams prepare to face each other in Saturday's Nations Championship match in Auckland (08:10 BST). The All Blacks have maintained an unbroken winning streak at Eden Park, extending to 52 games, while Ireland aims to secure their first-ever victory at the venue.
Andy Farrell's Ireland have achieved two bonus-point wins so far in the tournament, maintaining an undefeated record alongside New Zealand, who have triumphed over Italy and France.
"There's a healthy amount of respect for the Irish. We're well aware of their ability and they'll come in and genuinely believe they can beat us," Rennie stated during the pre-match media briefing.
"They're very well coached and so they'll be well prepared. They're very skilful, their forwards have got a really good short passing game. They'll ask lots of questions of us there and at set-piece.
"Defensively, their ability to fill the field [is strong]. They are a good side and you have got to be patient in an effort to break them down."
Eden Park: A Historic Fortress
Despite having already played two home matches in the inaugural Nations Championship, New Zealand is eager to return to Eden Park, a venue where they have not lost a Test match since France's victory in 1994. Rennie emphasized the importance of preparation and mindset against an Ireland team unbeaten in six consecutive games.
"It's always nice going to Eden Park. It'll be nice having a lot of supporters cheering for us," he said.
"It's been a fortress, but what's happened in the past counts for little. It's about us making sure we get our prep right and mindset right.
"To play against an Irish side who, last time they toured this country, they won a series."
Focus on Jamison Gibson-Park
Rennie highlighted the significance of containing New Zealand-born scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, who scored during Ireland's narrow 33-31 win over Australia but was absent from the lineup against Japan.
"Leinster have had a massive influence on Irish rugby for a lot of years. I like their combinations. They're really strong. Jamison's a big part of their success.
"We need to make life difficult for him so he can't play on the front foot and apply pressure that way."
