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Heaslip believes in better ahead of almighty test

Jamie Heaslip is a player that always seems to radiate a quiet confidence, a man who doesn’t get too hung up on the technical aspects of the game; he just goes out and does his job regardless of the opposition.

Ireland will need plenty of Heaslip’s self-belief against a fired-up All Blacks team playing their first test in Christchurch in almost two years in front of a sell-out 21,000 crowd.

Therefore, it was interesting listening to a little ‘back and forth’ between Heaslip and a prominent New Zealand journalist at the team’s base yesterday.

The journalist in question asked the Leinster number eight if the Irish players needed to “convince” themselves that they could beat the All Blacks.

“Convince?” replied Heaslip, with just a hint of irritation in his reply.

“Yes,” the journalist replied bluntly.

“No, you just believe it,” the Irish backrower offered.

“Alright, not the same thing,” quizzed the Kiwi.

“Very different,” Heaslip replied emphatically, “convincing yourself means you don’t believe, and we have plenty of belief in this squad.”

Belief has been the buzz-word in the Irish camp all week. When Ireland went 16-3 down last weekend, the heads dropped in the face of a seemingly impossible challenge. Ireland coach Declan Kidney even admitted asking the players was that the case in the dressing room after the 42-10 rout in Auckland.

Heaslip, however, was taking all the drama in his stride and was just looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and having another crack at the world champions.

“We were dealt an ass whooping,” said Heaslip on last Saturday’s defeat. “But the beauty of sport is that you pick yourself up. You dust yourself off and away you go again.”

This is the fourth time Heaslip has visited New Zealand as an Irish player and admits he still enjoys touring the “rugby-mad” nation despite the travails he and his team have undergone on the pitch.

“The next time Ireland will come to New Zealand will be in 12 years’ time,” said Heaslip on the new IRB international touring schedule.

“So as regards myself, you never know, but we’re not all Brad Thorns who can play till they’re 40-odd. Some guys might have to go through their career without ever having toured New Zealand which is a real shame.”

Heaslip and his fellow Leinster backrowers will be charged with shutting down New Zealand’s razor-sharp halfbacks Aaron Smith and Dan Carter, who were afforded far too much time and space seven days ago.

Heaslip will be looking to leave his own indelible mark on proceedings before he leaves this country. “It won’t be easy. But this is why they’re called tests.” Home

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