All Blacks want to knock Ireland off their perch, says try machine Will Jordan
New Zealand star Will Jordan has scored 36 tries in 38 Tests, the latest a thrilling effort in last weekend's victory over England at Twickenham
All Blacks try machine Will Jordan says New Zealand are in Dublin to knock Ireland off their perch.
The ultra-prolific Jordan admits that Scott Robertson's side have their sights on Ireland's top billing in the world rankings and are intent on successfully playing catch-up.
The All Blacks are in third spot in the pecking order, with Ireland edging double world champs South Africa heading into the Autumn Series.
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"For us, we want to be the best team in the world," said Jordan, speaking at the team's Stillorgan base ahead of Friday night's collision. Ireland are currently number one in the rankings and at home it's going to be a big challenge.
"This northern tour is a big opportunity for us to test where we're at against the best teams - and it doesn't get any bigger than that on Friday against an Ireland side that's been pretty tough to beat over the previous couple of years."
Asked what the All Blacks are expecting from their latest trip to Lansdowne Road, Jordan replies without hesitation.
"Plenty of passion," the 26-year-old said. "Playing at home, their first game for a while now at the Aviva, they'll be hugely excited. There's been a bit of chat about what's happened the last couple of years and the rivalry there.
"Both teams will be excited but we know the threats they've got across the park, particularly in attack. A great attacking structure so it's going to be a challenge for us and we're excited by it."
The way that the All Blacks prepared for the World Cup quarter-final just over a year ago underlined how seriously they now take Ireland.
Five wins in the previous eight meetings of the sides going back to Chicago in 2016 ensured that New Zealand made sure they were locked and loaded for one of the best games of the France 2023 finals.
Ireland boss Andy Farrell said on Wednesday that defeat had been left behind by him and his squad, and Jordan insists that's the case for this week's visitors, too.
"Inside you've got good memories of what happened last year but, in terms of as a team, it's not something we've touched on a lot," he said. "We've obviously got a pretty new coaching staff, playing the game a bit differently to how we were then.
"And it's the same for them, they've had an old coach of mine Andrew Goodman come in and I'm sure they'll have made some adjustments as well.
"In terms of how we've previewed it, it's been a little bit different and there's been a decent change to the team that we had 12 months ago, so it's a bit of a clean slate in that regard."
Jordan's old Crusaders head coach Robertson is now in charge of the Test team, while Goodman is Ireland's new attack coach. The man who has scored 36 tries in 38 internationals admits he is trying to work out how Goodman will impact Friday's game.
"First of all, Goody's a great man, he influenced my game coming through so it's great to see him on the international stage," Jordan said. "They'll have a good plan around their kicking game, trying to put pressure on us in that space, in particular James Lowe's left foot on the left edge, there's a real threat there.
"So they'll certainly come at us in that regard and the way they have a lot of bodies in motion, constantly coming at you with front doors, back doors, guys off the 9-10's hip is challenging.
"So they'll be just trying to continue what they've done in that space over the last few years with their attack."
As for the All Blacks, with Beauden Barrett missing Damian McKenzie has been handed the reins at No.10. "It's exciting," said Jordan. "Damian is someone who loves to play the game with an attacking mindset and flair.
"I've had a couple of games with him at 10 and me out the back and I've enjoyed the combination we've had. We get on well together off the park, good friends. It's always fun running out with someone that you're close with.
"I know he'll be excited to take this opportunity. He's had some great moments for us in the black jersey this year and I'm sure he'll go out and nail it on Friday night."
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