Preview: All Blacks preparing hostile reception for Ireland

Beauden Barrett's All Black career has spanned both the BC and the AD eras.

Those being 'Before Chicago' and 'After that Day' in Chicago, if you will.

That November day in 2016 changed the nature of the relationship between the two rugby nations forever.

To that point, Ireland had tried and failed 28 times over 111 years to beat New Zealand, sometimes failing better, often failing worse.

But when the final whistle blew at Soldier Field, the days of lip service to the spirited, plucky Irish who never give up, were over.

When they arrived in Dublin two weeks after that flag-lowering they unleashed a performance brimming with vengeance that, at times, stepped over the line: It was painful for some of the Irish players but the team now had their full attention and respect.

"You want them to respect us even more now," said Ireland captain Johnny Sexton yesterday.

"We often said that the only way to get them to fully respect you is to beat them. The plucky losers tag is not enough to earn their respect. You've got to beat them."

Barrett, the All Blacks' most famous Meath man, made his international debut against Ireland in the 60-0 win in Hamilton in 2012 and also played a role when New Zealand recorded that late win in the Aviva the following year.

He tasted defeat in Dublin in 2018 and last year but was a try-scorer in the World Cup quarter-final victory in 2019.

The teams face off for the 34th time in Eden Park on Saturday morning (8.05am) and the Blues man, whose brothers Scott and Jordie also start, was asked how the rivalry has grown since he stepped into the fold on that night of slaughter in Waikato Stadium.

"It certainly has and we’ve been over to Dublin a few times since then," said the 31-year-old.

"They are a quality side,