All Blacks Hungry For Revenge Against Ireland In Dublin

As the big rematch against Ireland arrives, the All Blacks will be looking to make a big statement in Dublin and respond in dominant fashion.

The so-called experimental XV that Steve Hansen selected last weekend against Italy put out one of the best performances in 2016.

Aaron Cruden was solid with the kicking boots and his all round game, the veteran seemed happy to allow Damian McKenzie to come in and play at first receiver for a majority of the time also. Scott Barrett was impressive at the breakdown and made some good carries, and Rieko Ioane did just about everything right on International debut.

During the 66-10 win over Italy, the All Blacks made even more history by scoring four or more tries in 12-consecutive Test matches. Hansen proved that his selections, which some called surprising, weren’t as experimental as first thought, and that the depth of the All Blacks is perhaps far greater than expected.

For as chronicled as the All Blacks are, the group is very tight, especially when on tour, but there is only one result that these men are looking for from the remainder of this stint in the U.K.

Hansen Names Strongest All Blacks Starting XV

It took Ireland over a century to finally beat the All Blacks, and despite Joe Schmidt‘s side being the popular choice in Dublin, Kieran Read and his men won’t allow history to repeat itself in the rematch.

As expected, Hansen has brought back ‘the big guns’ for the rematch against Ireland.

Beauden Barrett and Kieran Read return to the starting XV, as does Aaron Smith. The three senior members of the leadership group will add everything that is expected of them, and more. Smith in particular was dejected after his performance as starter in Chicago, the last time these teams met, and had to settle as a bench-warmer for the next clash. Smith is eager to play a much better all round game this time round.

Barrett was named World Rugby Player of the Year earlier this week. There has been a lot of discussion about the first-five’s poor run off the kicking tee in recent weeks. But if you look at the stats, Barrett’s record actually isn’t as bad as some would claim. In fact, Barrett has converted 34 tries for the All Blacks so far this year, the second most by an All Black since Daniel Carter who converted 39 in 2010.

The full All Black squad to take on Ireland:

1. Joe Moody (22)
2. Dane Coles (47)
3. Owen Franks (88)
4. Brodie Retallick (58)
5. Samuel Whitelock (82)
6. Liam Squire (7)
7. Sam Cane (39)
8. Kieran Read – captain (95)
9. Aaron Smith (56)
10. Beauden Barrett (47)
11. Julian Savea (50)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (6)
13. Malakai Fekitoa (22)
14. Israel Dagg (59)
15. Ben Smith (59)

16. Codie Taylor (13)
17. Wyatt Crockett (56)
18. Charlie Faumuina (44)
19. Scott Barrett (2)
20. Ardie Savea (10)
21. TJ Perenara (27)
22. Aaron Cruden (45)
23. Waisake Naholo (10)

Big Day Out For All Blacks Coach & Captain

In the sheds after the loss to Ireland, the All Blacks captain demanded that his players not forget the feeling of being on the wrong end of the scoreboard. For many that day, it was their first taste of defeat in the All Blacks jersey, and it hurt.

The loss came as a surprise to many fans as well, and the rematch has suddenly become one of the most talked about 80-minutes of rugby this year. Last time the two played in Dublin, the All Blacks came from behind to win on the very last play of the match. For Read, victory is required to ensure his captaincy doesn’t head into 2017 on a low, because very rarely do the All Blacks lose to the same team twice in a calendar year. In fact, this hasn’t happened at all in recent memory.

For the All Black coach, the disappointment was shared, and not even the big win over Italy has let those feelings subside.

There was obvious disappointment after the loss in Chicago. But disappointment doesn’t win you Test matches, it’s about having good preparation and attitude, and delivering on the day. We will have to take a massive step up to get the performance we are looking for.

Hansen even went as far to say that his men head into the clash as underdogs, and expects the Irish to come into the game full of confidence as well as a deep commitment to delivering on their home soil.

The All Blacks will embrace the challenge of what the last ten days have presented, but should they lose to the Irish again, World Rugby will certainly sit up and take notice.