Kiss relishing battle with world champions

Les Kiss is relishing the prospect of facing the All Blacks on their home turf over the coming weeks.

Ireland’s defence coach will be entrusted with devising a strategy to nullify the attacking exploits of a stellar New Zealand backline including the likes of Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Dagg, not to mention his added responsibility as attack coach having taken over Alan Gaffney’s brief during the Six Nations.

You get the feeling these are the sort of assignments that the infectiously enthusiastic Kiss relishes.

“It’s always a challenge to play the All Blacks,” said the Australian at Ireland’s training base in Auckland’s North Shore yesterday.

“They have the highest winning rate out of all the teams in history. To play those teams is fantastic. You like to have these opportunities to play New Zealand and to play them here is one of the great experiences.”

The Irish team will be returning to Eden Park on Saturday; the setting for their epic win over Robbie Deans’ Wallabies at last year’s World Cup.

The Auckland stadium is something of a fortress for the All Blacks, however, where defeats for the home side are few and far between.

Australia have not won there since 1986 which gives an idea of the task facing Ireland on Saturday.

“I guess you could say we both have good records there (Eden Park),” said Kiss on New Zealand’s national rugby stadium.

“That was an unbelievable night. It came as no surprise to us, to tell you the truth, when we played that match against the Wallabies.

“We’re hoping that the Irish fans get out there again and use their voices because it was a special occasion.

“A lot of Kiwis told me that it was one of the best atmospheres they’ve ever had at the ground. We’ve got fond memories; that’s what it is, a memory now, so we’ve got to move on.”

Kiss cut a frustrated figure when asked about Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, particularly the 30-9 St Patrick’s Day debacle as they went down to England in Twickenham on the final day of the championship.

“It was a challenging Six Nations; there were a lot of things that happened,” said Ireland’s defence guru on the England hammering.

“We had a few injures here and there. We did some good things, but it was a very poor way to finish, but that’s where it is. Our next chance is to step up and make a difference going forward.

“No one likes to finish the Six Nations with a loss, and we certainly didn’t like finishing the way we did.”

Ireland looked to be on course to do something special at last year’s World Cup before Wales called their proceedings to a halt with a ruthless performance in the quarter-final clash in Wellington. That 22-10 loss to Warren Gatland’s side was largely a bloodless coup and sent the Irish packing, but Kiss has nothing but fond memories of his previous trip to New Zealand and hopes that experience will sustain his troops over an intense three-week period.

“The last trip here was good. We had a good time and bar the last game it was a good tournament for us.

“I think the guys are excited about this trip.”