‘A game for the ages’ – Sonny Bill Williams gives his view on the All Blacks’ ‘popcorn’ match with Ireland
Caelan Doris in action for Ireland against the All Blacks, and former centre Sonny Bill Williams.
All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams believes that their encounter with Ireland this weekend could well be the “game of the year.”
Scott Robertson’s men head to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the third game of their tour to the northern hemisphere.
New Zealand have already thrashed Japan and edged past England, but it does not get any easier for Robertson’s men as they take on the world number one side.
Ireland’s good record
Since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Ireland are the only team to have a winning record against the All Blacks with them leading 5-4 over the past nine matches.
Despite the Kiwis claiming a 28-24 victory in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final, the Irishmen had emerged triumphant in three of the previous four contests.
That included a 29-20 success on New Zealand’s last visit to the Aviva Stadium back in 2021.
“This could be the game of the year,” he told Off The Ball.
“The All Blacks haven’t been travelling as well as an ex-All Black would like, but I feel like this is just the game that will provide that fire within us to produce our best.
“When we’re talking about previous occasions up against the Irish, we know what you boys brings, but I like the fact, as an All Black, that we come in as underdogs.
“Our backs are against the wall, just like in the World Cup game, so I think it’s going to be a game for the ages to be honest.
“I’m really, really excited about this one, I’ve got my popcorn boys.”
That victory in November 2021 was just Ireland’s second at home, with the other three either coming in New Zealand or on neutral territory.
However, the All Blacks have not tasted success in Dublin since 2016, although Williams is backing them to change that on Friday.
“I think it is who utilises the bench the best will win. I think the All Blacks will sneak away with it. Backs against the wall, so much to play for. From a physicality point of view, we’re going to be up for it,” he said.
Ireland’s improvement
Ireland’s turnaround in fortunes began at the start of the 2000s as they got to grips with professionalism, but they have built on that and now sit atop the World Rugby rankings.
Although that has yet to translate into World Cup success, there is no doubt that they are consistently dining at the top table between global tournaments.
Williams duly gave his view as to what the secret has been to their improvement over the years.
“When playing Ireland, I always knew that you boys were up for the challenge from a physical point of view, you are world-class, but it’s your skill set which has come along with that,” he said.
“Your tight five is a reflection of that but also your back-row. [Caelan] Doris and [Josh] van der Flier, these boys have led the charge for so long.
“Along with what they add from a physical point of view – that relentless energy, that relentless pressure that they bring – they’ve got the skill set to match.
“I think you’re starting to see the fruits of your labour by having good pathways. I would like to say it’s because you guys have got New Zealand coaches, Australasian coaches up there, but it’s because of the pathways you have.”
