Ireland’s New Zealand-born James Lowe determined to ‘knock over’ All Blacks in decider

Native New Zealander James Lowe admits he never envisaged returning for a shot at tour success over the All Blacks when he left his homeland for Ireland.

Winger Lowe, who previously represented the Maori All Blacks, switched international allegiance under residency rules in 2020, three years after joining Leinster from Hamilton-based club the Chiefs.

The 30-year-old is part of an Irish squad on the verge of making history against the Kiwis going into Saturday’s decisive Test in Wellington.

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Andy Farrell’s side will seek to secure a landmark tour triumph at Sky Stadium, having levelled the series at 1-1 thanks to a first win over the hosts on New Zealand soil last weekend.

Lowe, who was among the try scorers when the All Blacks were defeated 29-20 in Dublin last autumn, has been selected to start all three Tests and is eager to once again “knock over” the All Blacks.

“I don’t think you would be able to script that, for sure,” Lowe said of his career path.

“It was always a dream to play international rugby. To be given the opportunity in Ireland has been amazing and then to tour in New Zealand with the potential of a game-three decider, it’s an amazing opportunity and something that we’ll probably never get again.

“You don’t get to come to New Zealand very often, you don’t get to knock over New Zealand very often either, so if we can go into the summer having beaten New Zealand twice in a row then that’s huge.

“If you could tell us that at the start of the tour, we would have bitten your hand off for it.

“Obviously we created a bit of history last week but there’s also that feeling that the job’s not done so hopefully tomorrow we can put out a performance we’re proud of and walk off heads held