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4th November 2016
05:59am GMT

"They just have that ability to add that shock value with new players coming in. I was a spectator watching in Auckland five years ago when Ireland were relatively well beaten at Eden Park but then went to Christchurch and almost beat the All Blacks. "Then the All Blacks had a few injuries and it looked like a fantastic opportunity for Ireland and 60-0 later guys announce themselves on the international stage, the likes of Aaron Cruden with a freakish offload to Sonny Bill Williams running a close line off him early in the game and that just continued in that vain."Detail. All the horrible, meticulous detail.
Asked about Ireland's chances on Saturday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen mirrored the thoughts of Julian Savea and Ben Smith - Ireland will be "physical" and "tough". Apart from their kicking game, no more. He commented:
"They score a lot of points off their lineout so they will see that as a part of their game they will want to get right whether it be from driving mauls or from scoring plays off it."Physical, tough guys that love nothing better than the kick-chase. That's how we are viewed. It would be easy to be affronted but, tweak as Ireland have in the last year, the Kiwi view is not far off. Still, it would be nice if they remembered a few more Irish names. Colm O'Rourke and Pauric Mahony join Colm Parkinson on a packed GAA Hour that includes Dick Clerkin appreciation and Sean Cavanagh envy. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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