O’Connell: Belief is the key

THE ULTIMATE challenge. That’s the way Paul O’Connell reads the major task awaiting Ireland when the All Blacks come to Croke Park on Saturday for the second of the three Guinness November internationals.

He knows only too well that Ireland have never beaten New Zealand and that they’re not expected to end the long losing run on this occasion either. But, he also insists, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

“Historically, the All Blacks are the best team in the world with the best players in the world,” he acknowledges. “It’s a big challenge for any Irish player to go out there and beat them. Sometimes on their day, they may look unstoppable but that’s not always the case. You have to do your homework, you have to work hard, you have to respect them but not fear them and that’s what we’ll be doing at the week-end.