ALL BLACKS BOSS Steve Hansen claims he was keen for his team to avoid Japan in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, given the hosts’ impressive form.
Hansen has got his wish and World Cup favourites New Zealand have instead ended up with a quarter-final fixture against Joe Schmidt’s Ireland on Saturday in Tokyo.
The Kiwis are firm favourites to advance into the semi-finals as they target a third consecutive World Cup trophy in the coming weeks.
Hansen says he was keen to avoid Japan. Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Hansen has been very impressed by the quality and style of Japan’s play, which brought Jamie Joseph’s men four wins from four in Pool A and secured them a first-ever quarter-final against South Africa.
“It’s a good way to play footy, isn’t it?” said Hansen of the Brave Blossoms.
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“It has worked against Ireland, it has now worked against Scotland and their other pool opponent, Samoa.
“People have asked who did we want to play? Well, they [Japan] are the form team so I’m quite happy they’re on the other side of the draw.”
Ireland will be highly motivated to show Hansen that he has ended up with a nightmare draw, with Schmidt’s players happily assuming the status of underdogs that leaves the pressure on the All Blacks to deliver the win that will be widely expected.
Hansen indicated yesterday that he hopes to outfox Schmidt with a few tactical traps, saying he might be able to “set him up,” while underlining that the Kiwis have a good idea of what is coming their way on Saturday, with Ireland “pretty set on how they play.”
Schmidt’s side have, of course, won two of the three most recent meetings between the sides, although the All Blacks are of the belief that this World Cup clash will be a completely different ballgame.
“If you do look at the last few games there is no doubt that they have been massive arm wrestles and hugely physical occasions but we are at a Rugby World Cup play-off game,” said flanker Sam Cane, who made his debut against Ireland in 2012.
Sam Cane makes a hit on Robbie Henshaw in 2016. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
“Past games don’t count for anything. It’s about this weekend and the team that can prepare the best and front up the best. It doesn’t matter what has gone on in the past.
“They’ve got a lot of strengths and we are excited by a challenge. It’s exactly where we want to be. We came to this World Cup wanting to play in a quarter-final and if we don’t get it right, we’re going home. We’re excited and the week already has a slightly different feel to it.”
The Kiwis will be keeping a close eye out for some of Schmidt’s clever set-piece strikes this weekend.
“They’re a quality side, they’re well-coached,” said All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown
“I’m sure they have plenty of specials up their sleeves. They’ve got quality players and their coaches have done a great job, so it has always been tough against them.
“As a team, we’re in a good place but we are going to have to be right near our best at the weekend.”
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All Blacks claim they got the quarter-final they wanted after avoiding Japan
ALL BLACKS BOSS Steve Hansen claims he was keen for his team to avoid Japan in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, given the hosts’ impressive form.
Hansen has got his wish and World Cup favourites New Zealand have instead ended up with a quarter-final fixture against Joe Schmidt’s Ireland on Saturday in Tokyo.
The Kiwis are firm favourites to advance into the semi-finals as they target a third consecutive World Cup trophy in the coming weeks.
Hansen has been very impressed by the quality and style of Japan’s play, which brought Jamie Joseph’s men four wins from four in Pool A and secured them a first-ever quarter-final against South Africa.
“It’s a good way to play footy, isn’t it?” said Hansen of the Brave Blossoms.
“It has worked against Ireland, it has now worked against Scotland and their other pool opponent, Samoa.
“People have asked who did we want to play? Well, they [Japan] are the form team so I’m quite happy they’re on the other side of the draw.”
Ireland will be highly motivated to show Hansen that he has ended up with a nightmare draw, with Schmidt’s players happily assuming the status of underdogs that leaves the pressure on the All Blacks to deliver the win that will be widely expected.
Hansen indicated yesterday that he hopes to outfox Schmidt with a few tactical traps, saying he might be able to “set him up,” while underlining that the Kiwis have a good idea of what is coming their way on Saturday, with Ireland “pretty set on how they play.”
Schmidt’s side have, of course, won two of the three most recent meetings between the sides, although the All Blacks are of the belief that this World Cup clash will be a completely different ballgame.
“If you do look at the last few games there is no doubt that they have been massive arm wrestles and hugely physical occasions but we are at a Rugby World Cup play-off game,” said flanker Sam Cane, who made his debut against Ireland in 2012.
“Past games don’t count for anything. It’s about this weekend and the team that can prepare the best and front up the best. It doesn’t matter what has gone on in the past.
“They’ve got a lot of strengths and we are excited by a challenge. It’s exactly where we want to be. We came to this World Cup wanting to play in a quarter-final and if we don’t get it right, we’re going home. We’re excited and the week already has a slightly different feel to it.”
The Kiwis will be keeping a close eye out for some of Schmidt’s clever set-piece strikes this weekend.
“They’re a quality side, they’re well-coached,” said All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown
“I’m sure they have plenty of specials up their sleeves. They’ve got quality players and their coaches have done a great job, so it has always been tough against them.
“As a team, we’re in a good place but we are going to have to be right near our best at the weekend.”
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All Blacks Form Team Hansen Ireland Japan Joe Schmidt Mind Games? Quarter-Final RWC2019