Former Leinster and Scotland coach Matt Williams joined Monday Night Rugby to discuss Ireland vs. New Zealand.
Jonathan Sexton's 100th cap has come and gone. Ireland destroyed Japan and did so in style.
While the Japan game won't have any lasting impact on Ireland's prospects this week, Andy Farrell can feel good about it. The Ireland camp is on a high. New Zealand are in great form too, so it's a clash of titans. With the way that Ireland beat Japan, Matt Williams believes they have the blueprint to beat the All Blacks.
But having the blueprint and executing the plan are two different things.
"New Zealand go in as favourites," Williams said.
"They've beaten the Wallabies three times, the Pumas twice and went 1-1 against South Africa. Even the most ardent supporter of South Africa will say the referee influenced the last minute of that game, they should have beaten South Africa 2-0. They're the best team in the world.
"I think Ireland are coming along nicely."
"It has to be a game where you are attacking them...Jamison Gibson-Park is giving fast ball."
Matt Williams breaks down why Ireland cannot kick the ball away to New Zealand and have to recycle it at speed.
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Williams previously predicted that Ireland would be beaten by 50 points when Ireland and New Zealand met in the World Cup. It was an unpopular prediction at the time, but one that ultimately proved proficient. Ireland' performances against Japan and England at the end of the Six Nations have convinced Williams they are a much better team now.
"New Zealand want a bit of revenge for what happened in 2018. They're a better side than they were in 2018 but I think Ireland have got a real shot. It's going to be a fantastic game of rugby. New Zealand should win...but this Ireland side is a good side. It will be a wonderful day, a great occasion and Ireland have certainly got a shot at this."
But if Ireland are going to pull out another upset of the most famous rugby team in the world, they'll need to play a very specific way.
Williams detailed how you have to be aggressive against New Zealand. Kicking the ball to them throughout the game will just afford them opportunities to cut you apart. That's why Williams believes Jamison Gibson-Park and quality rucking will be the key to how competitive this game can be.
If Ireland control the ball, they can beat New Zealand.
"The only way you beat New Zealand is not by kicking, is not by simply trying to rope-a-dope. You've got to attack them. You've got to go at. You're not going to play their game, you've got to play your game. But it has to be a game where you attack them, you cannot just sit back and play a percentage game.
"It just does not work."
New Zealand will offer a level of physicality that Japan didn't so it's a much greater task. It will obviously be very difficult to score and retain possession comparatively. But the way in which Ireland approached that game means they know what to do in this game. Tadhg Furlong and the rest of the Ireland pack will need to be at their very best to make it happen.
Ireland no longer need to rely on Jonathan Sexton
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