All Blacks v Ireland preview: Quarter-final more than a mere game for All Blacks and New Zealand

OPINION

New Zealand’s national identity is woven intricately into the fabric of sports, and at the centre stand the emblematic All Blacks. Their triumph on the global rugby stage has forged a sense of national pride and unity. However, as their dominance has faced challenges in recent years, questions have arisen, prompting reflection on whether the world has caught up or the mighty All Blacks are experiencing a slow decline.

In the hearts of most New Zealanders, sport is an obsession, and rugby, in particular, holds a special place as the nation’s game - but rugby league and the Warriors might have something to say about that now. The All Blacks, being the epitome of excellence, bear the weight of immense expectations. They stand as not just a rugby team but a symbol of national identity. Yet, within this reverence lies the heavy burden of victory, and the agony of defeat is keenly felt across the nation.

Historically, losses have been a bitter pill to swallow for New Zealand, shaking the very mood of the nation. After winning the inaugural World Cup in 1987, the nation grappled with a palpable sense of deflation until the All Blacks won again in 2011 and again four years later. But the trauma that gripped the country for the following weeks after those failed campaigns illustrated how deeply intertwined sport, especially rugby, is with the nation’s psyche.

Now, as the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals loom, the clash between the All Blacks and Ireland is more than a mere game. Ireland, perched at the pinnacle of world rankings and riding a 17-match winning streak, are the favourites, having beaten the New Zealand side three out of four times in the current World Cup cycle. The statistics underline the challenges that lie ahead.

Ireland will be formidable. They no longer fear the All Blacks, a testament to their steady evolution and shrewd strategies on the field. Under the leadership of Andy Farrell, Ireland’s collective proficiency at the breakdown and cohesive play have earned them the respect and credibility on the international stage as the world’s best. Disciplined and strategic, Ireland possesses a unique ability to play in the right areas, minimising possession loss and maximising their entries into the opposition 22.

However, the All Blacks, as history shows, have an indomitable spirit. Despite being a small nation in the vast expanse of the South Pacific, New Zealand’s sporting achievements across various disciplines remind the world to never doubt Kiwis.

As New Zealand braces for this crucial encounter, the nation’s hopes, dreams, and collective spirit are interwoven with the All Blacks’ performance. Victory would resound as a triumphant symphony, infusing the nation with a renewed sense of pride and unity. Conversely, a loss would evoke introspection and determination to rise again, echoing the sentiments after other failed World Cup campaigns.

In the end, it’s not just a rugby match; it’s a reflection of the nation’s resilience and the unwavering belief that greatness can be achieved, no matter how big the challenge may seem.

Luke Kirkness is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He previously covered consumer affairs for the Herald and was an assistant news director in the Bay of Plenty. He won Student Journalist of the Year in 2019.