IRELAND HAVE fond memories of their last visit to Eden Park but if Ireland’s record against the All Blacks is a bleak one – one draw in 24 attempts dating back to the first meeting 107 years ago – there is also the minor matter of the hosts’ record there.
On Saturday, the All Blacks will be keen to extend a remarkable Eden Park record which will see them defend a 28-match unbeaten streak at the venue.
The last time they lost there was when France beat them 23-20, with Jean-Luc Sadourny scoring the “try from the end of the world” to snatch a famous last-gasp victory for the Tricolores and clinch a 2-0 series win in 1994.
The All Blacks went on to draw against South Africa 18-18 that year, but have won every Test at the venue since, including five wins during the World Cup which culminated in their 8-7 final win over the French.
Australia’s semi-final defeat there was their 12th at Eden Park dating back to 1986, a run Les Kiss was mindful of when the Australian noted how, for all their pre-match talk, his fellow countrymen were usually put to the sword there.
Yet, recalling Ireland’s 15-6 win over the Wallabies last September which shook up the World Cup, a smiling Kiss quipped yesterday: “I guess you could say we both have good records there [Eden Park].
“That was an unbelievable night really. It came as no surprise to us, [Irish support] to tell you the truth, when we played that match against the Wallabies. We’re hoping that the Irish fans get out there again and use their voices [on Saturday] because it was a special occasion.
“A lot of Kiwis told me afterwards that it was one of the best atmospheres they’ve ever had at the ground. The Kiwis of course backed the Irish that night which was great. We’ve got fond memories; but that’s what it is, a memory now, so we’ve got to move on.”
With largely positive memories from the World Cup trip, and with the squad in high spirits, end-of-season fatigue is not something being countenanced.
“I don’t think it’s an issue. The last thing you want to do anyway is use an excuse in the back of your head. It’s all guns a blazing, let’s go for it.”
At face value, the success of the Irish provinces has contributed to the demands of the 2011-12 season, as well as intensifying the pressure on the coaching staff to translate that into Test successes.
But Kiss maintained: “I’m not in competition with those coaches and I don’t they feel they’re in competition with us. We try to work together and I think there’s a good relationship there. For us, we like to see the provinces winning games and that serves us well. To have players confident, getting good wins is fantastic.”
Kiss agreed it is “always a huge challenge facing the All Blacks”. “They have the highest win rate out of all the teams in history. To play those teams more is fantastic. You like to have these opportunities to play New Zealand and to play them here is one of the great experiences I think.”
