Rob Kearney says fast start crucial for Ireland's chances against New Zealand

Despite Ireland losing their last three games against the All Blacks, former full-back Rob Kearney does not believe the rivalry is going back to the days of New Zealand dominance.

Andy Farrell's men are facing the daunting task of attempting to defeat New Zealand in Eden Park, who have not lost there since 1994.

Since Ireland's 2-1 series win in 2022, New Zealand edged out their 2023 World Cup quarter-final, before comprehensive wins in the Aviva Stadium and Chicago.

Having waited until 2016 for their first win over the All Blacks, Ireland enjoyed four victories in the next six years, and Kearney says that respect is still there.

“I think once you get that respect from a rugby nation, it is always sort of there.

“To be fair to this New Zealand team, they will fully understand that if they’re not fully on it and Ireland have one of their very best days, then we will give them a serious run for their money.

“Those last four games, we were slow to start. One was at the start of one season, and the last time we played them, I think only about half of our team had about 150 minutes [of rugby played that season].

“Now, you can make excuses every single time, but the last few times that we played them, I don’t think we have seen remotely close to their best what the team is able to do.”

In the last two games against New Zealand, Ireland have had plenty of possession and chances to win, but inaccuracy and decision-making in the 22 cost them.

In Ireland's wins in 2016 and 2018, and the series win in 2022, Ireland were clinical when they got chances, and Kearney wants to see a return to Ireland's ruthless ways under Farrell.

"Andy Farrell's teams in 2021, 2022 and 20223, their starts were electric. They came out of the blocks and