Conor Murray says Ireland's Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash with New Zealand on Saturday will be the "biggest game I have ever played, and it is the same for everyone in the group."
For three players - James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki - all of whom were born in New Zealand, it is an extra special occasion.
"Those three boys are so important to our squad," Murray said on Thursday.
"They took the chance to come over here and start a new life for themselves and prove themselves. All three have really done so. They are three world-class players who we are going to rely on heavily.
7 October 2023; Bundee Aki, left, and Conor Murray of Ireland celebrate after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between the Ireland rugby team and the Scotland rugby team at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
"They have performed unbelievably well in this competition, particularly Bundee. He has been playing the rugby of his life.
"He can come across as a bit of a messer, but behind the scenes Bundee is incredible, the level of detail he goes into – he is always on the computer, trying to figure things out. He’s actually a smart fella, believe it or not!
"The New Zealand thing hasn’t really been mentioned. They are part of our Irish team now and they’re really important to us. I’m sure there’s a part of them who’ll give a little bit extra to get one over on their place of birth, but they’re fully part of our Irish squad now."
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15 months ago, Ireland defeated the All Blacks for the first time on New Zealand soil when they won in Dunedin and followed it a week later with another win in Wellington to claim a 2-1 series victory.
9 July 2022; Ireland rugby players, from left, Cian Healy, Jack Conan and Conor Murray celebrate victory after the Steinlager Series match between the New Zealand and Ireland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
"Every team likes to evolve and improve game on game, year on year and the All Blacks are no different," said Murray.
"What happened last summer was incredible, a really special tour and series win. But we’ve done a lot of analysis and they have definitely improved and grown their game since that series. If you stand still in the modern era, you are going to be left behind.
"Both teams have had development. I have played against the All Blacks when we have beaten them, then played them a week later and they are a completely different animal. Will there be a reaction and will they use that series as motivation? I’m sure there will be. They will be coming out with a point to prove.
"Traditionally the All Blacks focus on themselves and what they can do and the standards they hold themselves to. But there is a bit of respect there now. Over the last number of years we’ve had great tussles with them.
"When I started my international career, playing New Zealand was really daunting, and still is. But did we really expect to beat them? That’s questionable, whereas now there is definitely a bit more belief, with the understanding of how good they are and how hard it is to beat them."
Saturday's game will be played in Paris at the Stade de France where Ireland have already defeated South Africa and Scotland. Murray says the vocal Irish support has made those matches feel like home games rather than ones played on neutral ground.
“Yeah, it is one we get behind," said Murray when asked about Irish fans singing the Cranberries song Zombie.
"Bundee [Aki] thinks they’re singing ‘Bundee, Bundee’, but they’re definitely not.
"I was chatting with Scotland’s Chris Harris after the game and he was saying ‘Your fans are a thing now, people are talking about them’.
"A lot of us have been around a while and played big matches in big stadiums, but this is definitely another level. The songs they’re starting to sing are kind of taking over.
"Getting a win and being able to hear that again is a little part of your motivation, to keep those fans turning up who have gone deep into their pockets week after week. They deserve something special and it definitely gives us a lift. It really feels like a home game in that stadium [Stade de France] at the moment."
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