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Rennie warns Eden Park history counts for little against Ireland
Jaxin Daniels • July 13th, 2026 3:14 pm
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie will face his toughest test yet | Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport NZ
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says Eden Park’s fortress reputation will not mean much unless his side gets its preparation and mindset right against Ireland this weekend.
The All Blacks return to Auckland for a major Test against an Irish side that won a series the last time they were on these shores.
While Eden Park has long been a stronghold for the All Blacks, Rennie said history alone will not get the job done.
“It's always nice going to Eden Park, it'll be nice having a lot of supporters cheering for us.
“It's been a fortress, but what's happened in the past counts for little. It's about us making sure we get our prep right and mindset right.”
Ireland’s recent history in New Zealand will not be ignored, even if it had not yet been a major talking point early in the week.
“We haven't talked about it at this stage, it's obviously very early in the week," Rennie said. “No doubt that that will come up.”
Rennie said there is clear respect for the Irish, who arrive with strong combinations and a settled core.
“I mean they're a quality side, they've got a lot of strong connections, a lot of guys who play an enormous amount of footy together over the last few years.
“They're very skillful their forwards, they got a really good short passing game.”
The size of the challenge is front of mind for Rennie, who said the All Blacks know exactly what kind of Test is waiting for them.
“Your next Test is always your biggest Test, so it's a big game in the context of our season and before we head away.
“We saw how good the French are and the Irish are a very good side, so yeah, it's a big Test.”
The All Blacks perform the haka at Te Kaha | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
Selection is set to be another major talking point this week, with competition for places growing after the opening two Tests.
Rennie said the All Blacks will name a strong side, but some players are likely to be unlucky.
“We'll put a really good side on the field. I think we've done that the last two weeks though," the head coach said.
“There is a lot of competition for places.
“There will be some really unlucky people missing out because guys have fronted pretty well for us, but the competition is tight.”
The All Blacks have opened their campaign with two wins, but Rennie said there is still room to grow after an opening fortnight where plenty has been thrown at the squad.
“I'm happy with the end result, and happy with the effort and attitude.
“The boys have been awesome, there's a fair bit been thrown at them.
“I think we've made some good shifts. It's nice to have another week in preparation to cement some things and build towards Ireland.”
The All Blacks will also need to find the right balance in how they play, particularly against an Irish side expected to kick and defend strongly.
“Ireland are a very good defensive side, they're going to kick a lot of ball and and try and apply pressure through that.”
“We need to get excited about it and work hard for opportunities, but we're going to have to balance our game out.”
Rennie admitted the All Blacks were guilty of forcing too much early last weekend, when a more measured approach may have served them better.
“We probably overplayed in that first bracket, ended up turning it over and got punished, so there were opportunities to maybe kick and apply pressure.”
“We just need a little bit of balance.”
Rennie also gave an update on the injured locking pair of Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland ahead of the 44-man squad to tour South Africa being named.
“Scott Barrett won't be available for any of the South African tour, but Fabian's a chance."
The coach also confirmed Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Jacobson are expected to be available this week.
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