How much relevance past deeds hold for the All Blacks and Ireland in their World Cup quarter-final, though, is open to interpretation. With four wins from their last six tests against the All Blacks — three from their last four since the last World Cup — Ireland deserve their World Cup favouritism status. Their record in the last two years has proven that, but we’re at a World Cup,” All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith said. While the home series defeat rocked New Zealand and the All Blacks, it also sparked widespread, overdue changes that have since significantly strengthened the team. “Last year matters in the sense of taking the lessons, but I believe we’re a totally different team to July last year,” Smith said.
