'We need to be ready for it' - Johnny Sexton bracing for All Blacks side seeking revenge

Andy Farrell's side will meet New Zealand on Saturday night in Paris. 

PUT IT THERE: Ireland's Head Coach Andy Farrell and Jonathan Sexton. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The theory that Ireland would be better off facing the All Blacks than their French hosts in a World Cup quarter-final has been parroted for weeks now. Ever since those two sides met in the tournament’s opening game at the start of September.

Ireland will indeed face New Zealand after their demolition job on Scotland in Pool B, and that earlier win against the Springboks, but Beauden Barrett spoke for a nation earlier this week when he talked about the desire to atone for their series loss to Andy Farrell’s men last summer.