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Rugby

"Ireland's 9 and 10 are critical" | Zinzan Brooke on Ireland v New Zealand

Zinzan Brooke believes that Ireland could upset the All Blacks, and that it is their nine and ten...



Rugby

"Ireland's 9 and 10 are critical" | Zinzan Brooke on Ireland v New Zealand

Zinzan Brooke believes that Ireland could upset the All Blacks, and that it is their nine and ten positions that may pose the biggest problems for New Zealand.

Brooke spoke to Keith Wood ahead of Ireland's crucial World Cup quarter-final on Saturday morning.

"It is dangerous when you start doing that," said Brooke of writing off Ireland's chances on Saturday.

"It is going to be a tough job on the day, but you just know that Ireland can deliver.

"If the All Blacks wobble, and Ireland seize it, then Joe Schmidt will be good enough to see it through.

"The key thing is Ireland's 9 and 10 to where they are going to end up."

Competitive New Zealand

Brooke has been satisfied with a competitive tournament so far, and believes that such a backdrop means that Ireland may be in the perfect position to take advantage on Saturday.

"What we have seen on both sides in this Rugby World Cup is that both sides [of the tournament] can play.

"Ireland have executed a couple of excellent performances against the All Blacks, so they probably have the upper hand."

All Blacks recent losses

"It resets the dial for the All Blacks," says Brooke of Ireland's recent defeats of the Kiwi national team.

"For this Ireland team here, it will be tough going but there is an opportunity here for them to do the impossible."

Brooke remains confident, however, that New Zealand will have enough to see off Ireland this weekend.

"The All Blacks will keep themselves composed and absorb everything that Ireland throw at them.

"The big difference is to see whether Ireland can absorb that themselves, because they are going to be on the receiving end of a lot of the attack.

"Ireland need to watch the defensive side of things as well.

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