Ireland won't fear All Blacks in Chicago, says skipper Rory Best
Saturday 5 November 2016 19:56, UK
Rory Best has urged Ireland not to be scared of New Zealand when they go head-to-head in Chicago this weekend.
"There's been some fantastic rugby teams and some fantastic All Blacks teams," Best said.
"Obviously, statistically, when you look at what they've achieved over the last 12 months and the Rugby Championship, they looked very, very strong.
"It's kind of hard comparing teams over generations, but there's no doubt that this AB team is an extremely talented team that knows how to play rugby but also how to win games."
Former New Zealand hooker Sean Fitzpatrick has described the current team as the best ever.
Ireland is still seeking its first win over its opponents.
"The important thing for us is that we look at them, we respect them and everything they've done to date, but we've got to look at ourselves and how we can improve," Best said in Chicago.
"We are looking to build momentum, to continually improve. We've got to respect them but we can't go out and fear them. We've got to go out and have our gameplan, stick to it rigidly and ultimately beat the All Blacks.
"From what I've seen, you've got to minimise how many unforced errors you have. They are going to create chances, but you can't gift them chances on top of that."
Best, 34, will win his 98th cap on Saturday at Soldier Field and can pass 100 this autumn. The 34-year-old hooker will be alongside Leinster tighthead Tadhg Furlong, who will win just his ninth cap as Ireland continue to plan for life beyond stalwart tighthead Mike Ross.
"Tadhg has been going really well," Best said. "We saw in SA that he really is developing into a great rugby player.
"It's just another massive test for him. He's going to have to scrummage well against one of the best set-piece teams.
"He's also going to have get around the park and make good decisions in defence and attack. If we make bad decisions, we'll get picked off."
