All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson weighs in on Ireland's post-Lions hangover

Head coach Scott Robertson is not expecting Ireland to have a post-Lions tour hangover when they play the All Blacks in Chicago.

Ireland’s July series tour this year included the likes of Georgia and Portugal, who they put a 100 points on, as many of their top players suited up for the British & Irish Lions in Australia.

Robertson believed that their Australia tour win, under Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, would have them ready for Test match action this November.

Jerry Flannery speaking about Japan

Jerry Flannery speaking about Japan

“How many Irish players were in the Lions? 16? It’s pretty hefty,” Robertson told media over Ireland’s concerns.

“They won a series away which is very tough for the Lions so they’ve got a group of men that have played Test footy. They’ll be ready. They’ve got good cohesion and they are well coached. We’ll expect the best out of them.”

Robertson said that the All Blacks are expecting Ireland to play possession rugby with high ruck counts within a very structured game plan.

“I think it’s important to focus on ourselves. We know their strengths. They are a team that are extremely organised, more structured, take you deep into the phase counts so we know that, we expect that again,” he said.

With the All Blacks 10 Tests into the year, Robertson didn’t expect to hold an advantage with Ireland just beginning their Test season.

The All Blacks late game lapses have been a problem, with the team leading at half-time in five out of six losses under Robertson. In the other, the game was tied.

“We are well and truly into our Test season, 10 Tests, but it still doesn’t guarantee you anything. We’ve got to turn up on the day,” he said.

“We were in all games. We led all games. The ability to put constant pressure on teams. A lot of stuff individually and collectively about how we can get better in the second halves, but we’re not far away.

“It might seem like it with the results, but when we get our attack right, defensively and discipline right, we’ll match anyone.”

Last year the All Blacks biggest win was arguably their triumph over Ireland in Dublin by 23-13, knocking off the number one ranked side at home.

Robertson said they have reflected on their 2024 win ahead of the 2025 rematch in Chicago.

“You reflect on that game, it was a game of small margins like most Test matches,” Robertson told media.

“We were completing our sets very well, kicked well, discipline was good. There was a couple little moments that we were pleased with. It was a hell of a night at Aviva for us.”