Tyler Bleyendaal says Ireland have set a new benchmark

New Zealand’s sporting reaction to their defeat by Ireland in Soldier Field, Chicago, on Saturday has been favourably commented upon in this country.

And those plying their trade in the game here have been similarly complimentary. In-form Munster out-half and Christchurch native Tyler Bleyendaal made light of the inevitable slagging from his teammates yesterday and happily added to all the good things being spoken about Joe Schmidt’s and his squad.

“I was very complimentary of the Irish victory, it was well deserved”, he declared.

“I thought they played some great rugby and managed to keep the intensity for the entire 80 minutes. We are obviously disappointed to get beaten but we had a great run and to see what it meant to the Irish in Chicago, I think you have to have a bit of joy with them.

“Potentially, we might see a different New Zealand team the next day but Ireland has now set a new benchmark and a lot more will be expected of them now they’ve got their win after 111 years.

“They’ve got a chance to back it up two games in a row. The All Blacks will definitely be looking for improvement and the Irish team comes home to appear in front of their home crowd so it should be an exciting week-end.”

Before that, however, there’s the little matter of the Munster-Maori All Blacks encounter in a sold-out Thomond Park on Friday night. The Maori demolished the USA Eagles 54-7 in Chicago on Friday last and looked a seriously strong outfit.

“I went to Christchurch Boys High Schools with Ash Dixon, their captain”, said the 26 year-old Bleyendaal. “He is very skilful and a good leader and has played for New Zealand A. They’re a very dangerous team with attacking threats across the board so we will have to be on our game.

“It’s a big game for both sides. There have been a few injuries in the All Black squad and the Maori team is almost a feeder team for the All Blacks and see it very much as the one squad.

“They’re performing to try and get up another level to the All Black squad and make an impact. They’re not here for a holiday, they’re here to perform with high expectations and play a very exciting brand of rugby.

“They’ll be looking to put the pressure on us and score a lot of points. Our defence has been going very well but it’s going to be tested and we have to expect they are going to score a lot of amazing tries. It’s how we respond is the key”.

Munster and New Zealand first clashed 121 years ago and there have been many famous occasions in the meantime. The history between them is rich and Bleyendaal believes the Maori will be well aware of this: “They know there’s there’s history there, that they’re here for a battle and we’re going to be up for it. I remember watching the 2008 game on TV and it was impressive to see those boys (Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoli, Lifeimi Mafi and Jeremy Manning) doing the Haka and the crowd getting behind them”.

Can we expect a repeat this time from Bleyendaal and fellow Kiwis Francis Saili and Rhys Marshall? Just as eight years ago, we will have to wait and see! On a personal perspective, Bleyendaal is clearly happy with how the season is going after years marred by a succession of injuries.

“I’ve got in a few games now and building through the season”, he says. “As a squad, we’re building as well and enjoying the rugby we’re playing. I feel we have a nice balance and a bit of variation. When a 10 is playing well, you should often look at the forward pack in front of him and I can’t be complaining about that because they are setting up such a great platform. You’re always happy when the goal kicks are going over for the team’s sake for you know you can have a bad day just as easy but I’m very happy the way they’re coming off.”