Mils Muliaina, who played 100 tests for the All Blacks from 2003 to 2011 and was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, believes New Zealand has the team to beat Ireland but concedes he has never been so nervous about a test match.
With 17 consecutive wins under their belt, Andy Farrell’s side is as seemingly invulnerable as any in recent memory.
- Neil Loughran: Sure what good ever came of winning?
- Ireland's woeful World Cup journey through the years
- Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important' to Ireland World Cup bid
Indeed, the Irish hold a strong recent record against the All Blacks, having won three out of their four meetings since Andy Farrell took charge of the side, including a three-match series win in New Zealand just over a year ago.
The All-Black centurion hopes that New Zealand may find motivation from the fact they go into the game in the unfamiliar position as slight underdogs.
“They are up against the number one team in the world, and I think the fact New Zealand are not the favourites makes it exciting.” Said Muliaina.
“I believe the All Blacks have the team to beat Ireland, but I don’t think I’ve been this nervous - and excited - about a test match before.
“This is a different type of World Cup for this team. The adversity they’ve been through, the pressure – that’s something that’s going to motivate them.”
The All Blacks made a poor start to their World Cup campaign, courtesy of a loss in their tournament opener to France. Ian Foster’s side may have been operating under the radar in the pool stages but bounced back with a statement win in the form of a ruthless and relentless dismantling of Italy.
Whatever the result on Saturday, history will be made. New Zealand face the possibility of becoming statistically the worst World Cup All Black’s side and their first quarter-final exit in 16 years, while Ireland seek to progress past the quarter-finals for the first time.
The legendary full-back anticipates that both sides will be feeling the pressure for different reasons but believes the All-Blacks' World Cup credentials will stand them in better stead than their opposition on the biggest stage.
“The Irish deserve be where they are – number one. They have been incredibly consistent but haven’t really had the pressure and expectation of going into a World Cup game like this before. It’s weight on their shoulders.
“The mental aspect for both teams will be so important. It’s all about being strong in the game, winning the big moments and remaining aligned, especially how you respond after making a mistake in front of 80,000 people.
“I think the All Blacks are now looking more settled. There’s a lot of legacy with the All Blacks and there’s a lot of emotion which can be good thing. However, there’s also a risk you can tap into that emotion too much and forget about the game plan.
“I wouldn’t say ‘revenge’, but there’s certainly motivation for the All Blacks after what happened in the last test series against Ireland which just makes for such a good quarter final.”
Muliaina is quick to acknowledge each and every one of Ireland’s strengths, but still retains confidence that his former side can get the job done if they go about it the right way.
“The Irish backline have shown they can manipulate defences and are capable of creating late angles and late movement of the ball to find a hole and a mismatch. They have a great pack, and the tone will be set by the guys up front.
“There are a few chinks in Ireland’s armour. The lineout against South Africa was under pressure. The All Blacks will have to look at that and they might want to kick the ball and be comfortable without the ball in hand.
“In New Zealand we love having the ball in hand and being flamboyant, but I think this game will be determined by what we can do off the ball. There’s no doubt it will be a physical battle and defence will be crucial in terms of containing Ireland and limiting them getting over the gain-line. We will have to try and chop them down and get over the ball using our really good fetchers.”
“Any one of four or five teams can win this tournament and I certainly think the All Blacks can do it. It’ll be a tough watch and I have to admit I’m nervous but excited for this one!”
