Rugby: Kidney describes All Blacks challenge as 'sadistic'

Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney. Photo / Getty Images.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has described the challenge facing his side in New Zealand next month as "sadistic" but has bravely stated he aims to win the series.

The facts don't make good reading for Ireland supporters. Over 107 years and 24 tests, the Irish have never beaten the All Blacks and most don't give them a show in the near future.

Despite a rousing World Cup pool win over Australia last year, a classic at Eden Park in which Robbie Deans' men were beaten time and again at the breakdown to the delight of most in the crowd, they failed to match that performance in a quarter-final loss to Wales.

That was followed by a mediocre Six Nations performance in February and March in which they finished third behind the Welsh and England. Their high points in that tournament were wins over Italy and Scotland and a draw against France in Paris.

Now Kidney is under pressure at home to provide some encouragement for Ireland in the tests in Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton but knows the odds are stacked against him and his team.

He still vividly remembers the last time Ireland played the All Blacks in New Zealand - a 66-28 defeat in New Plymouth two years ago.

"We felt [then] it was a good time to get them, they played three or four guys for the first time but I don't look at any New Zealander looking to let his jersey down. It's their first game after winning the World Cup, it's at Eden Park and you could argue it's not a good time to meet them. It's a fantastic place to go as a rugby person, it's a bit sadistic but you couldn't wish for anything else.

"It's vital that we get more exposure for some of our fellas to experience that brand of rugby. It's not unbeatable, but it is a different brand and unless we expose our fellas to that more, then every time a World Cup comes around we will lose out."

Kidney has named only three uncapped players in his 25-man squad - Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick and Munster duo Mike Sherry and Simon Zebo and has left spaces for Paul O'Connell, Brett Wilkinson, Chris Henry and Isaac Boss to prove their fitness.

Some in Ireland have questioned why Kidney didn't name more new faces but he is backing experience against an All Blacks team under new management.

Steve Hansen, Ian Foster and Aussie McLean will have their credentials in their respective roles tested for the first time in Auckland on June 9 and that is something the Ireland camp has already talked about.

Ireland's defence coach Les Kiss said: "They have two further new coaches [Foster and McLean] ... Will they try to bring something different? We have sat down and talked about it, about the options they have, will they change their defence structure or play with what has served them strongly?

"We have looked through all of that; I guess the nuts and bolts are that if we can use the little time we have to get our things right and front up, then we'll be in a good place, but we have to be able to adapt within the game if they come up with something different."

For Kidney, though, the aim is simple. Asked what would constitute an acceptable tour, he replied: "To win the series and work downwards from there."

The reality is a test win, however unlikely that is, would probably do him just fine.