Schmidt: Of course we fear New Zealand, but we must go on front foot

Ireland coach names his most experienced team Hansen picks form over pedigree for All Blacks

in Tokyo

Joe Schmidt has admitted that as much as Ireland will draw confidence from recent victories over the All Blacks, they still “fear” the world champions. Ireland’s head coach added that even if they play their best in tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final clash in Tokyo, they might still lose.

As rallying cries go, it felt a little subdued two days out from arguably the biggest match in Ireland’s history, but Schmidt’s respectful rhetoric was obviously strategic. The Kiwi, who named a tried-andtrusted team yesterday for the game at Ajinomoto Stadium, clearly decided it was wiser not to poke the bear ahead of such a big game.

“I think most coaches would say transition,” Schmidt replied when asked what it was about the All Blacks that made them so dangerous. “If you turn ball over to them, they’re ferocious. Their speed to transition from defence to attack is something that everybody fears.

“They are so quick to make the most of it. They have athletes who have skills, who have speed, and they have an innate attacking mentality. They are almost wired for it. The unfortunate thing about any 23 that comes up against the All Blacks is that they can play well and still not get the result.”

Schmidt has named his most experienced line-up, resisting the urge to spring any Eddie Jonesstyle last-minute surprises. The forwards are as expected, with Peter O’mahony retaining the No6 shirt despite, by his standards, some indifferent form. In the backs, Bundee Aki’s suspension means Schmidt has had to make a change, although Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose might have been his first-choice pairing anyway.

“We’re certainly not going to sneak up on [New Zealand] any more,” Schmidt said. “I think they are well aware of how we play and what they are going to do to combat that. But [this group] have had some pretty successful experiences together. Obviously, the first win over the All Blacks [in Chicago in 2016], the first time we won at home to the All Blacks, but a few other milestones along the way.

“So the accumulation of those experiences together hopefully builds confidence, because you need to have belief. You can’t go out against an All Blacks side and accept that you’re second fiddle. You’ve got to put your best foot forward.”

Schmidt’s respectful tone was mirrored by Steve Hansen, New Zealand’s head coach, who described Ireland as “tenacious” and a team who were “pretty good at keeping the ball”.

Hansen has been bolder with his selection than Schmidt, persisting with the exciting Richie Mo’ungabeauden Barrett axis at 10 and 15, and leaving experienced players such as full-back Ben Smith and centre Ryan Crotty out altogether. Instead, Anton Lienert-brown and Jack Goodhue form the centre partnership, while George Bridge (seven caps) and Sevu Reece (five) are on the wings.

Hansen has clearly favoured form over pedigree, the exception being second-row Brodie Retallick, who comes into the starting XV despite playing just 30 minutes of rugby so far at the tournament. “Brodie is a bit of a freak when it comes to fitness,” said Hansen, whose racehorse, Nature Strip, runs in the Everest, a high-profile Sydney sprint race with a prize pool of £7.4million, five hours before the All Blacks take on Ireland.

“Obviously it is a highlight to have a horse in a race like the Everest, but there’s not a lot I can do,” Hansen said. “But you can have an influence with this team. We have tried to do that and provide an environment where we get to Saturday with them excited, full of energy and ready to rumble.” 1. The try The game was in the balance when Robbie Henshaw crashed over for the decisive score with just under five minutes remaining

2. The figure eight Ireland faced the haka in a figure eight, a tribute to former national captain and Munster coach Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley, who had died aged just 42 the month before

3. The celebration Ireland’s team celebrated their first victory against the All Blacks long and loudly in the dressing room at Soldier Field

4. The desolation In contrast, the All Blacks were in despair after losing following a run of 18 successive victories. They would take revenge two weeks later in Dublin, winning 21-9