Ireland genuinely believe they can beat us - All Blacks coach Rennie
New Zealand's rugby coach warns that despite Eden Park's fortress reputation, they cannot be complacent against an unbeaten Ireland side.
All Blacks head coach Scott Rennie has stated that Ireland genuinely believe they can defeat New Zealand. Although the All Blacks return to Eden Park, where they have not lost a Test since 1994, Rennie emphasised that past success offers little protection.
Ireland are currently on a six-match unbeaten run and won the series on their last tour of New Zealand. Rennie stressed the importance of proper preparation and mindset.
Special attention will be paid to New Zealand-born Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, who scored a try in the tight 33-31 victory over Australia but was rested against Japan. Rennie acknowledged Leinster's long-standing influence on Irish rugby and Gibson-Park's key role. "We need to make life difficult for him so he can't play on the front foot and apply pressure that way," Rennie said.
