Rugby News

Playing New Zealand is always tough. Playing the All Blacks when they feel inspired by a national tragedy is going to be a whole new level of tough.

All this week we have had positive vibes coming from the Irish camp in New Zealand. Brian O’Driscoll has spoken of restoring pride in the jersey after last week’s 42-10 shellacking at Eden Park while Rob Keaney has called for Ireland to play with ambition.

We were heartened by those words, and we will still be tuning in tomorrow morning in high hopes of a first ever win over the pesky All Blacks, but the comments from Richie McCaw are ominous.

The game tomorrow is taking place in Christchurch, the first game by the national side in the city since the earthquake that struck there last year.

“It might give a little bit of motivation,” said the All Black captain. “I'd like to think it’s there regardless, but looking at the big picture, people are getting the chance of coming to watch the All Blacks play in Christchurch is pretty significant really.

“We went on a wee drive through the town on the way here and I think the guys, even myself, haven't been through there properly and you realise the significance of what has happened here and just a wee reminder of that is probably enough.”

On top of trying to give the local community a boost, McCaw also spoke of “lifting the performance” from last week.

It could be another difficult day at the office for Declan Kidney’s lads.