Brian O’Driscoll doesn’t expect Ireland to bring a whole lot new to the table against the All Blacks but is confident that Joe Schmidt’s side can beat them.
O’Driscoll was speaking at Off The Ball's latest Rugby World Cup Roadshow in association with Heineken, and predicted that the men in green will stick to what they know.
“Look at Joe Schmidt’s record against the All Blacks. He’s changed the perception of this Irish team in their minds. That is half the battle.
“If you allow the All Blacks to get into their groove I think it’s going to be a long day at the office.
“I don’t think we’re going to see anything magically new… If it gets loose and open I think there’s only one winner.
“I think we’ve got to play it tight, play a percentage game and not afraid to be boring,” O’Driscoll said.
The former Leinster player was joined by Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, former Springbok Bobby Skinstad and former World Player of the Year Keith Wood.
While they conceded that Ireland have a huge challenge on their hands in beating the reigning world champions, all of them saw reasons for optimism.
“On the evidence of this World Cup, no [Ireland’s won’t win. There are players in that Irish team that have done it and done it over a long period of time.
“Experience is a big thing. They know what to do, they know what they have to do. So why not do it this weekend against New Zealand.
“I really do believe that they are capable of doing something,” Lynagh commented.
Ireland take on New Zealand this Saturday in Tokyo Stadium at 11.15am Irish time and will be hoping to win their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
The All Blacks are strong favourites for the match, but Schmidt’s side do go into the clash having won two of their last three meetings.
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