'Ireland can go up another gear': All Blacks issued warning for third test

A former international halfback believes Ireland are capable of levelling up against the All Blacks in this week’s series-deciding test at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

The three-test series will go on the line on Saturday after the All Blacks and Ireland both picked up a win apiece in their first two tests over the past fortnight.

Their most recent clash, a dominant 23-12 win by Ireland at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin last weekend, was the first time the Irish had ever beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand, and was their fourth victory in their last seven meetings with the Kiwis.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane speaks to media in Wellington

All Blacks captain Sam Cane speaks to media in Wellington

Ireland’s win also leaves the All Blacks in their worst-ever World Rugby ranking of fourth, piling plenty of pressure on head coach Ian Foster, captain Sam Cane, and the entire playing squad and coaching staff to deliver in this week’s third and final test.

Achieving success against an Irish side riding a wave of momentum will be no easy feat, though, as outlined by former Maori All Blacks halfback Bryn Hall.

Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Hall said he was impressed by Ireland’s bounce back victory in the second test, going as far to say that the scoreline flattered the All Blacks.

The six-time Super Rugby champion, who has signed with the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan, added that the Irish have dominated their newfound rivalry and that they pose a serious threat to New Zealand’s hopes of clinching the series this weekend.

“Coming to New Zealand and being able to win a test match in New Zealand [after] 117 years, being able to get that off their back. They’re more than our bogey team,” Hall told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.

“I think it’s four out of their last seven that they’ve won against us, so they’re well and truly winning this rivalry at the moment.

“To be honest, I could be wrong here, but I thought the score actually flattered the All Blacks in the end. I think they were probably 20-30 points better.

“They could have scored two or three more tries and it could have been a lot more convincing. I think, for me, Ireland can actually go up another gear.

“They’ve played a lot of footy, they’re asking the right questions, manipulating us a lot, putting us under a lot of stress, and if they get it right even more with their execution, it’s going to be more added pressure on the All Blacks for their test in Wellington.”

Despite his comments, Hall tipped the All Blacks to walk away from the Kiwi capital with a tightly-contested victory.

“I’m going the All Blacks,” the ex-Crusaders star said. “It’s going to be close. If Johnny Sexton’s fit, the All Blacks will only just win this one.”

Hall was supported in his view by fellow panellist and former All Blacks hooker James Parsons, who said the anticipated return of Sam Whitelock from his concussion is set to be a massive boost for New Zealand.

“I think they’re getting some key personnel back. I think Sam Whitelock’s a real key get to get back into that team,” Parsons told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.

“Not saying that the others didn’t do their job, but experience is just such a big factor in these pressure-cookers… but Sexton’s pretty ruthless, man.

“You saw his post-match interview. He’s like, ‘Yeah, mate, we’ve won, but the job’s not done’. He was pretty firm in his statements.

“It was almost a little bit awkward at times, but he doesn’t want to be seen to be thinking one win’s enough. He wants to win the series, so it will be close.”