Conor Murray downplays claims All Blacks are different under new coaches

Ireland boast a healthy record over the All Blacks since the last World Cup, winning three and losing one, but their series win in New Zealand last year served as a watershed moment.

No sooner had Andy Farrell masterminded a 2-1 series win for the first time ever than the All Blacks were dramatically reshuffling their backroom staff, as Ian Foster recruited both Jason Ryan as forwards coach and former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt as his assistant.

The All Blacks have since recovered from their nadir under this new set-up by winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, and that is the great unknown for the world number ones heading into their quarter-final clash this Saturday at the Stade de France.

Terms like ‘new beast’ have frequently been bandied about this week ahead of their epic knockout encounter, but Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has been quick to play down this narrative. The reason is simple for the Munsterman- every team evolves. While the Test centurion admitted that his upcoming opponents have improved since they last met, he retorted by saying Ireland have too.

“Every team likes to evolve and improve game on game, year on year and the All Blacks are no different,” the 34-year-old said.

“What happened last summer was incredible, a really special tour and series win. But we’ve done a lot of analysis and they have definitely improved and grown their game since that series. If you stand still in the modern era, you are going to be left behind.

“Both teams have had development. I have played against the All Blacks when we have beaten them, then played them a week later and they are a completely different animal. Will there be a reaction and will they use that series as motivation? I’m sure there will be. They will be coming out with a point to prove.”

Murray went on to explain how the attitude Ireland and the All Blacks have towards each other has changed in recent years given how Ireland have now won five of their last eight meetings having waited 111 years to get their first win.

He said: “Traditionally the All Blacks focus on themselves and what they can do and the standards they hold themselves to. But there is a bit of respect there now. Over the last number of years we’ve had great tussles with them. When I started my international career, playing New Zealand was really daunting, and still is. But did we really expect to beat them? That’s questionable, whereas now there is definitely a bit more belief, with the understanding of how good they are and how hard it is to beat them. But there is definitely a respect there on both sides.”