While Ireland rugby fans may have been uneased by the prospect of facing New Zealand in a quarter-final after their 96-17 dismantling of Italy last night, Bernard Jackman was left unconvinced by the All-Black's genuine tournament prospects, explaining exactly why Ireland shouldn't be too worried.
While New Zealand we're far from favourites coming into this tournament Ian Foster's men proved that they weren't to be taken lightly last night as they dismantled Italy earning themselves the bonus point in the first quarter of the match.
However, despite the two sides playing out a totally uncompetitive 80 minutes of rugby, All Blacks head coach Ian Foster took aim at Ireland and South Africa in his post-match press conference questioning the entertainment they offered last week.
READ ALSO: All-Black World Cup Hero Ridiculed For Bizarre Take On Ireland Vs South Africa
Bernard Jackman Claps Back at All Blacks Head Coach
Speaking on RTE ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup games, Bernard Jackman clapped straight back at Ian Foster, claiming Italy weren't a true reflection of a Tier One country, responded directly to comments from Ian Foster that New v Zealand v Italy is the kind of game most fans would prefer to watch.
Well, there's no contest I'd rather watch a 13-8 game, Ireland South Africa...Just because there's a higher ball in play time doesn't necessarily mean the game is more entertaining or better to watch.
He knows Ireland can now play highball in play time and it's actually something that we often search against certain opponents but I actually don't think it will suit us as much as it will suit them, I think we need to take them on physically.
It's hard to disagree with Jackman here as he urged Ireland to avoid the temptation of taking New Zealand on at their own game but instead, to meet them physically, a lesson England took full advantage of in the last World Cup, following New Zealand's demolishing of Ireland.
New Zealand are always a team who can hammer another Tier One country. It doesn't necessarily mean they're gonna win a World Cup. We saw in the last World Cup they hammered us in the quarter-final and then got taken apart by England because England brought that power.
Their [New Zealand's] weakness is their front five. Italy aren't a contest. That's not a fair reflection of a Tier One country, Ireland if they're gonna beat them have to be able to take them on upfront, and Scott Barrett coming back in and Shannon Frizzell is going to help them. But it's gonna be chalk and cheese when we play them. We don't want to get carried away trying to play fast against them, if that's who we end up playing.
"Just because you've higher ball-in-play time, doesn't mean the game is more entertaining or better to watch..."
The @RTErugby panel have been having a closer look at the fearsome All Blacks...#RTErugby #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/wmhqfYSkt4— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 30, 2023
It's wise stuff coming from Jackman, considering Foster's comments look a lot like mind games with an eye to the World Cup quarterfinal.
While New Zealand Ireland is all the paper talk at the moment, Ireland still has to overcome the Scottish challenge next Saturday to guarantee their spot in the final eight of the Rugby World Cup.
SEE ALSO: Chris Ashton Thinks World Cup Drubbing Is Worrying Sign For Italy's Six Nations Status
