Ireland have 'earned confidence' against All Blacks

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Lock Joe McCarthy has underlined that Ireland's recent success and consistency in high-stakes matches have "earned" them the right to face New Zealand with confidence as they prepare for Friday night's clash in Dublin.

The meeting at Aviva Stadium will be the first between the teams since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final, where Ireland's campaign came to a painful end in a tight 28-24 loss to the All Blacks.

McCarthy, back to full fitness following a hamstring strain, insists that Ireland is embracing the chance to test themselves once more against rugby's most decorated side.

"Getting to play the All Blacks is where we want to be, testing ourselves against a world-class team, it's exciting," McCarthy said, noting the squad's readiness for a big occasion.

"Every game starts on zero. I feel like every game, you have to make it happen," he added.

"No matter what position you play, you're playing against 15 top-quality rugby players, so you're preparing as hard as you can."

Ireland's record against New Zealand has shifted significantly in recent years. A series win in New Zealand in 2022 and five victories from their last eight encounters underline the strides made under Andy Farrell.

McCarthy believes that these achievements have instilled a deserved sense of belief in the team.

"We've had a good track record the last few years, we've earned the right to have a bit of confidence going into games," he explained. "There's nerves in big Test matches, but we're confident in what we can do, and definitely won't be taking the All Blacks lightly."

Reflecting on the disappointment of last October, McCarthy acknowledged the enduring sting of that exit but emphasized the team's focus on what lies ahead.

"You obviously do think back to it a bit," he admitted. "It was such a massive game and you want to put your best foot forward and make a bit of history with Ireland, but it is something that reminds you where you need to be at for those games."

Yet, as he pointed out, rugby doesn't allow for too much backward glancing.

"But the beast keeps rolling on in rugby, you keep going on to the next thing and don't look too far back. It is something that plays on your mind, at that sort of level you have to be at your best in those big games or you won't come away with the win."

Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images

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