Brian O'Driscoll admits games against New Zealand present a special challenge as Ireland look for their first win over the All Blacks tomorrow.
Only Munster in 1978 have claimed the famous black scalp - a feat that inspired the play 'Alone it Stands'.
But that could change in Wellington tomorrow when Ireland look to end a winless streak that dates back to November 25, 1905.
Ireland captain O'Driscoll said: 'I think it's always special. I don't know how the All Blacks feel I can only speak from our end, it's always a big game because we know how good they are and because we've never actually managed to win a test match against them.
'We look forward anytime we get to play them, whether it be over here, in Ireland or in a World Cup.
'Every time it's a huge challenge and you know you have to bring out your very best to live with them and produce something spectacular to beat them.'
Michael Bradley, Ireland's stand-in coach for the Tests against New Zealand and Australia, played scrum-half in the 1992 side which has come the closest to ending the drought, eventually losing 24-21.
'The first match (at Carisbrook in Dunedin) was great and we were quite close to winning the match. We were a couple of inches away from an intercept,' said Bradley.
'The second match was here in Wellington in Athletic Park in possibly the worst conditions of all time - and it's not the place to be. But New Zealand got their revenge and put a big score on us (59-6).
'Both games were extremely competitive despite the difference in the scorelines and they were enjoyable games to play in.'
New Zealand's respect for Irish rugby has certainly grown in the past few years with ever-improving performances from Ireland.
In 2006, they went close again, in Hamilton in particular, where it took a late try from Troy Flavell to seal the 34-24 win.
In the second Test in Auckland a week later, New Zealand needed a try in the 70th minute from fly-half Luke McAlister to lead the All Blacks to a 27-17 victory.
Bradley believes much of that increased respect has stemmed from the consistent performances of his skipper O'Driscoll and by the success of the provincial teams, where players such as Ronan O'Gara and Paul O'Connell have shone for Munster who have just won their second Heineken Cup, and Leinster were crowed Celtic League champions.
'The level of performance, particularly from this group of players has been very good. They've raised the bar within the country.
'There is a healthy respect for Irish rugby and it's attributed to the bulk of the players that are here.'
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw certainly has fond memories of playing the Irish after his man-of-the-match effort on his debut against them in Dublin in 2001.
'It was a pretty exciting day. Each time I've played Ireland since it reminds you of your first game. We were run close that game, for 60 minutes anyway.
'I've never played an Irish team that's been easy. It's always been a match that's not easy.
'I think we're ready for it and the excitement of getting back in the All Blacks and getting out on the field on Saturday will hopefully mean a lot.'
