All Blacks v Ireland: Scott Robertson backs Damian McKenzie as upset looms

However, as far as Robertson is concerned, there is every confidence that McKenzie – in whatever role he plays – will be suitable.

“He’s pretty laid back,” he said. “He’s pretty relaxed.

“He will take on any role, he will come and serve the team. There is one thing about it: it is prepared quite carefully, like the rest of the guys.

“Whatever is needed from him, on the bench or in the starting lineup, he will come in and get the job done. If you bring in someone who has done that much testing and they get injured, they might end up in it.

“He’s had the keys for a while and now they’re back in his hands.”

However, if McKenzie needs any reassurance, the decisive strike from the right touchline – against the corner – should serve as all the reminder he needs that he has the tools to succeed on that side.

However, regardless of who wears the number 10, the All Blacks in Dublin have their own problems.

Since Ireland’s first win over the All Blacks in 2016, the teams have developed arguably the biggest box-office rivalry in sport.

South Africa will be New Zealand’s biggest opponents in the XV-man code given both teams and countries’ history on and off the field. Geographically, the same can be said about Australia.

But in Ireland the All Blacks have an opponent they don’t play every year, meaning when they meet it becomes more and more significant.

Both sides have traded blows over the past few years.

In 2022, Ireland not only won on New Zealand soil for the first time, but also beat the All Blacks in a home series. A year later, Ian Foster’s All Blacks bounced back by knocking Ireland out of the World Cup, which they were considered favorites to win.

After the World Cup, former captain Johnny Sexton added fuel to the rivalry. detailing his post-match exchange with Rieko Ioane.

But now, as Robertson prepares for his first meeting with Ireland, the new All Blacks coach needs no reminding of what’s at stake.

“There’s definitely an advantage,” Robertson said. “They won the Test series in New Zealand. It came down to the final game of the Rugby World Cup.

“There were a few words thrown back and forth. It’s a big part of our game, especially at international level.

“It brings together the international game and these stories and rivalries. Both teams will have sufficient motivation. You connect to it, but it is not your attention.

“Both teams are well trained and well organised. They had a good week and some time to prepare for us. We will focus on playing well.

“There will be a battle on Friday night.”

Alex Powell is the online sports editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, having previously worked for Newshub and 1News.