Ireland’s pack is strong enough to match the power of the All Blacks in Saturday’s one-off test in New Plymouth, forwards coach Gert Smal has claimed.
Smal believes the Ireland pack will hold its own against New Zealand despite the absence of Stephen Ferris, Rory Best and pack leader Paul O’Connell.
The South African told RTE, “I think we have the power up front to match them.
He continued, “I think that’s the challenge for each and every player to lift their game to see if they can match them. We are confident we can do that.â€
The forwards coach said he believed the aura of the All Blacks will trigger a strong performance from the Irish.
He continued, “When you’re growing up playing rugby you want to play against the best and we get the opportunity to play against the best on Saturday. I think the players will enjoy the opportunity.â€
