Totally agree there is complacency now amongst fans given that they’ve overcome their WC choke factor, but it’s a myth that there was complacency that they would win the WC. Previous losses at WC were still fresh wounds and in my experience kiwi fans thought ABs were the best and favourites but hugely feared a banana skin game that would end their WC game. Theyre over that now but ABs are not a team to lose due to arrogance; it seems to improve their game. 3-0 is the wise punt, but wishful thinking as a neutral says ABs are more vulnerable for the first test and of course they are beatable.

Based on the recent form of the Blues AB’s, injuries to Kahui and Corey Jane, no Brad Thorn, Sir Richie and Dan shaking out the cobwebs,i cannot see how anyone could be complacent!! Ireland didnt really show it during the six nations but they are a big side and based on H Cup all Irish final you have to say they players in form so they could strike early.

Tend to agree but wait for the Kiwi backlash on that…

Yawn yawn yawn the same old garbage from those north of the equator. The All Blacks are the most successful team in rugby history so as fans we have every reason to expect victory most of the time. However what the fans think is totallly irrelevant, no matter how arrogant or complacent you might accuse us of being we aren’t on the pitch – so your whole argument is pointless. The ABs didn’t take France lightly, never take anyone lightly but will still win the series easily 3 nil.

But why is it that the southern hemisphere nations are so sucessful against the northern? Just better players? Better coaches? Nick Mallett attributed it to the intensity of the club games translating onto the national level as compared to the premiership games, etc he saw in the north. Given the popularity of the game in the UK and France, you would think they all could, with their resources and population bases, find winning teams to consistently beat the southern teams.

Watching the Super 15 you expect a high speed game with emphasis on ball handling and try scoring ability; The Northern style is still more dominated by set piece power and defensive patterns. i guess it comes down to who can execute their style best. As rubgy leaves its amateur heritage behind you have to wonder whether the pendulum will swing towards the money as it has done in football?The money in the North just keeps getting bigger and the salary gap just keeps getting wider. Playing for the “Jersey” is appealing to the top 30-35 players but what about the rest?

The first test will be the biggest. Ireland always push NZ and new coaches, new players will be tested. As per your comment about Jack Whites comment about hangovers – lets get the facts right first. NZ never had a hangover from 1987, in fact they pretty much went through 1988 and 1999 unbeaten – destroying everyone. So that’s not a hangover and I think you’ll find Steve Hansen has publicly said that’s something they want to emulate so there won’t be any complacency from the Coaches.

The All Blacks are ranked #1 and the points difference is about 11.63 where Ireland is at the moment, IRB world rankings #8. First test for anyone can be dodgy in the beginning, but the respect is there for any opponent that has had close calls in the past. As for the H cup all Irish final…players in form..strike easily, I don’t think that’s a huge factor. The two teams played great to get there and one to win, but you can’t forget the influence due to certain internationals( New Zealanders and South Africans players and coaches) whilst in the super 15s five Kiwis teams playing with such physical intensity against 10 teams from 2 different nations both of which are ranked #2 and #3 in the world. As for injuries, somebody is always injured and “overall” it doesn’t effect the fact that the All Blacks adapt and overcome. We are ready.

Let’s hope for a good clean game with no spear tackle on BOD

@James Marshall And here I thought rugby is a religion in NZ and therefore the reason the fans expect them to win every time….

@S Spoony. Yes it is and yes we do. My honest expectation and prediction for the year is that we will win 14 out of 14. Was absolutely gutted when we lost to Oz in Hong Kong in 2010 just short of the record for consecutive wins.

The Irish are certainly capable of giving the All Blacks a run for their money, if they can get over the psychological barrier of never having beaten them.

They have a number of players who would have a good shot at cracking the AB starting line-up : Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll in the backs; Cian Healey, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell and all three back-rowers are all playing at the same level as their AB counterparts. That suggests the series may be quite close – if the Irish can get into the right mindset!

The other promising aspect from an Irish point-of-view is that NZ will have to probably find repacements for three of their tight forwards – Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Brad Thorn. Ireland are pretty solid in that area, especially the lineout…

@James Marshall Ha Ha good one. But I do suspect we and the Aussies will try and make it as difficult as possible mate

Oh!, Jolly well said, no nead for further comment.

Journalists and the word respect going together there’s a laugh!! With JM they will surely be a fair bit of tongue in cheek wind up here but to be fair recent tour results to New Zealand back those statements up and don’t make good reading for the Irish. Northern Hemisphere sides tend to tour poorly in June – partly because half their best players are at home injured and the remainder just knackered after marathon seasons in the UK. (The Southern Hemisphere is beginning to experience this for the first time with the prolonged super 15 and test series taking its toll) The November tests are perhaps a better benchmark of actual playing standards with the Southerners usually still only hitting about their 24th match of the season but again the Southern sides do OK then too!

Good post

So was Justin right??? I think Saturdays game showed he was!! & jack_squirek youre dreaming if you think any of those players would even make the AB’s squad!!!even BOD said in an article that they play a different type of rugby down there…a different tempo & intensity…the Irish boys wouldnt have a clue whats happening…