Coach Steve Hansen is warning the All Blacks that any let up in intensity in Saturday’s second Test will be seized upon by an Irish side eager to put last week’s humbling defeat behind them.
The All Blacks ran in five tries to one in a comprehensive 42-10 win in the Auckland’s first Test, despite fielding only seven players who started the Rugby World Cup final and blooding three new caps.
But Hansen says they run the risk of allowing the Irish close the gap between the sides if their minds are not on the job.
“You’ve only got to read the paper – it sounds like they’re pretty angry and disappointed with themselves.
“They’re a proud rugby nation and proud men individually. They’ll want to come and play better than they did last week.
“I think attitude is a big thing about rugby. If you bring the right attitude you give yourself a chance. If we drop off in attitude from last week and they improve theirs we narrow the margin,” Hansen said.
The All Blacks have made just one injury-enforced change for the match, with Adam Thomson starting in place of Victor Vito.
His elevation from the bench gives 20-year-old Sam Cane replacement the chance to make his Test debut.
Ireland have made four changes to their line-up for the first Test in Christchurch since devastating earthquakes ruined parts of the city.
Veteran back Gordon D’Arcy combines with captain Brian O’Driscoll for the 48th time in the Irish midfield, while wing Andrew Trimble, prop Mike Ross and blindside flanker Kevin McLaughlin also start.
Ten of Leinster’s Heineken Cup-winning squad will be in the match but D’Arcy says they can’t rely on the club connections too heavily.
Ireland’s defence coach Les Kiss is promising the tourists will bring an intensity to their game this week that was lacking at Eden Park where they struggled to cope with the All Blacks’ sharpness.
“If we can have a little bit more speed of thought and speed of action we’ll be in a better place,” said Kiss who said predicted wet, chilly weather would not necessarily suit the tourists better.