Rugby:Daniel Carter's self-proclaimed "patchy" form in the Super 14 has not lulled Ireland into a false sense of security heading into Saturday's one-off Test against New Zealand.
The Crusaders star lacked spark in his general play and his goal-kicking was well below par during the Super 14 season, but Irish defence coach Les Kiss is certainly expecting better things from the 66-Test pivot at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth this weekend.
And Kiss has warned his players they will need to be on full alert.
“I don’t think there’s any secret that early in the season he probably wasn’t in great form,” the Australian said. “But as the year went on he certainly became the form outhalf in the country. He poses a threat that’s for sure.
“The way the Crusaders approached the law emphasis and built their season around a good tight five game and played smart position when they needed to, they were probably the most effective of the New Zealand teams and Carter was instrumental in picking the right time to open up as he got his form at the end of the season.
“We’ve done our homework on him, as every team has to do, because he’s an absolute genius of a player. We’ll have to be all hands on deck to handle that threat that’s for sure.”
The new law interpretations at the breakdown have ensured quicker ball at the ruck which, coupled with the offside being policed more strongly when players opt to kick, has created more space for a team willing to adopt a ball-in-hand game-plan.
But Kiss believes the new approach means knowing when “to pull the trigger” and attack and when to take a more conservative approach has become even more crucial.
“That’s where this Test arena is really going to challenge each nation. It’s going to open up in some ways but when do you run?” Kiss said.
“I think (New Zealand assistant coach Steve) Hansen mentioned that there is more open field to run in but it doesn’t meant it’s carte blanche and you can be flippant about it.
“You still have to be very, very decisive about the right times because it is Test rugby - another level above everything else.
“We have no doubts they (New Zealand) will go for it when they can and try and peg us in our own end when they feel that is right as well. Hopefully we can play that chess game just as well.”
While in outhalf Ronan O’Gara Ireland have a steadying influence who can plug the corners when required, Kiss was also confident they had the attacking game-plan to counter the All Blacks.
With leading try-scorer Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and wingers Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble in their ranks, Kiss believes Ireland can make the most of the added opportunities the new rules have created - provided the expected wet weather did not have too great an influence on proceedings.
“We played some good attacking rugby throughout the Six Nations. Against England we hardly had the ball and we put three superb tries on in that game,” he added.
“We’ve got our threats across the park as well. If it’s there we will play that’s for sure.”
New Zealand have plenty of attacking threats of their own, even without the wrecking ball that is Ma’a Nonu.
The back three of Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Joe Rokocoko enjoy counter-attacking from deep, meaning if the Irish do opt to kick they will need to be pinpoint accurate — even if fielding the high ball has been an issue for veteran Rokocoko, in particular.
“Rokocoko in the past has struggled but he’s done work on it and he’s probably improved it somewhat,” acknowledged Kiss.
“Cory Jane is very good in the air and Israel Dagg is no slouch in that area as well - they probably strengthen it with those two there.
“Ball in the air is something we pride ourselves on. We’ve got good guys in the air. Each team will test each other in that area no doubt. It’s just whoever stands up on the night I guess.”
Meanwhile, hooker Jerry Flannery (calf) and back Shane Horgan (stomach problem) remain in Ireland with a decision on whether they join the tour to be made soon.
“They are having their medical work done on them back home, just getting a sense of where it all stands,” Kiss explained.
“We’ll probably have some decision shortly but we would hope that they could join us over the next week or so.”