Nine years ago, Ireland recorded their first-ever victory over New Zealand when they met at Soldier Field — the venue for this Sunday’s Autumn Test.
It was a momentous day in Irish rugby, but for New Zealand, the emotions were very different.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson says when the players look back, they don’t want to be remembered as that team, but they have to accept that it happened.
He says they have to get things right this week.
Meanwhile, 18 players in the Ireland squad were part of the successful British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, but Robertson doesn’t buy into the theory that this will hamper Andy Farrell’s side’s preparations for Sunday’s Test.
He says Ireland have good cohesion and are well coached, so they are expecting the best from them.
Robertson adds that Ireland know their strengths and are an organised and well-structured side.
The All Blacks will take on Ireland at 8.10am Sunday.
In other Autumn Test Series matches this Sunday, England will face Australia at 3.10am and South Africa will meet Japan at 4.10am.
