Devin Toner admits that New Zealand’s returning stars could add an extra dimension to their game, but is more concerned that his Ireland team-mates match their Chicago energy levels in Dublin this weekend.
Steve Hansen’s world champions face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ2, kick-off 5.30pm) on Saturday eager to atone for their upset at Soldier Field.
The All Blacks bounced back, as expected, with a crushing win over Italy last weekend, and have their attentions firmly set on revenge following their first-ever loss to the men in green.
A key component to the Ireland win was their dominance at the lineout, with Joe Schmidt’s side taking advantage of the absence of first-choice pairing Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, with back-up Luke Romano also unavailable.
In Soldier Field, the foundation for victory was laid in the first-half display, where Ireland didn’t lose a single throw, while 17 points came from lineouts as a starter play.
The All Blacks by contrast may have lost only three over the 80 minutes, but some of these were in crucial attacking areas, and it was noticeable that in the second-half they sought the risk adverse front of the line option, with flanker Liam Squire claiming four throws.
Jordi Murphy calms a lineout at Soldier FIeld
Retallick was back in action against Italy, while Whitelock is still battling to prove his fitness following an ankle injury sustained against Australia last month.
The inclusion of one is significant, having both available transforms their game plan according to Toner.
“They are obviously two world-class second rows,” the 6ft 11in lock told RTÉ Sport.
“They have a lot of experience between them, they play together a lot, so that will bring an extra edge to their lineout, which they didn’t have against us the last time.
“They will also give another dimension to their game.
“They are very used to link play in the middle of the field, they are very good at pop passes, out-the-back passes... you can see that their skills are hugely significant to what the team want to do.
“When they [All Blacks] miss them, they really did miss them.”
Retallick (left) and Whitelock (right) are key players in the All Blacks team
Toner and Donnacha Ryan, who performed so well in Chicago, are expected to get the nod when Schmidt names his side later in the week, but the towering Leinster lock is taking nothing for granted.
Ultan Dillane came into the team to face Canada weekend and gave a man-of-the-match display, while Iain Henderson’s return to fitness boosts the options further.
Billy Holland too coped admirably in the Test arena on his Ireland debut.
“Joe has some massive headaches and I don’t envy him to be honest,” he reponded when asked about the second row, and indeed team’s competition for places.
Toner admitted it was nice to “put the feet up” while watching the squad showcase their worth in the win over Canada, but says the focus this week will be to match the performance levels from Soldier Field.
The impressive start against the world champions set the tone early and the 30-year-old believes it is vital to come out of the blocks early at the Aviva if they are to record back-to-back wins over the Kiwis.
“What is hugely important this week is having huge energy about us, coming out in the first 10, 15 minutes and going all guns out,” he said.
Toner has played against the All Blacks on three occasions
“Whatever happens, happens”
Now in his sixth year as an international, Toner has grown to become one of the most consistent locks in world rugby and firmly established within the team.
The win in Chicago came on his 40th appearance for Ireland. A win on Saturday, in front of a packed home crowd, he says would be nothing short of “phenomenal”.
“What’s huge for us is being at home in front of friends and family.
“Over in Chicago I was lucky my wife and my mother went over, so it was good to have them there, but to have more, maybe 10, 12, in tour corner, it’s bigger.
“It’s bigger for everyone.”
Watch Ireland v New Zealand (kick-off 5.30pm) live on RTÉ2, listen live on Radio 1's Saturday Sport and follow RTÉ Sport Online's live blog
