Taylor: Irish are world’s best at keeping ball
Daire Walsh
New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor believes last weekend’s gruelling encounter with England served as ideal preparation for Saturday evening’s showdown against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Despite falling 15 points behind during a shaky opening half, the All Blacks dug deep to claim a narrow triumph in Twickenham (16-15).
There are similar attributes between Eddie Jones’ side and Joe Schmidt’s Ireland, but Taylor rates Irish ball retention skills as the best in world rugby.
“It gave us a good taste of what to expect. We knew England were going to lay a different game to what we’ve played all season, in terms of playing with the ball. They like to kick a lot. I think Ireland do the same thing, but they also know how to play,” Taylor stated.
“I think they are the best team at holding the ball in the world at the moment. They’ll just try and wear you down with their attack and try and create little seams of opportunity.
“We have to really be strong in our defence and make sure we’re on song. Because, if we leak we know they can punish us.”
As well as analysing their own game, the All Blacks have also cast a watchful eye over Ireland’s 28-17 victory at the expense of Argentina.
Taylor was particularly impressed by their forward pack and expects them to offer up a similar threat on Saturday.
“It was a weapon, definitely,” he said of Ireland’s scrum.
“I’ve seen a couple from the game at the weekend and they really put Argentina under pressure. We know that if we don’t get everyone right, they’ll do the same thing to us.
“Like I said before, we know it’s going to be a physical battle up front. In the forwards, you have to turn up. Especially against a Irish team with a great forward pack.”