Ryan Crotty hoping to repeat his heroics against Ireland

New Zealand centre Ryan Crotty wants to repeat his performance from 2013 when the All Blacks take on Ireland in Chicago on Saturday.

The closest ever Ireland came to defeat the All Blacks was in November 2013 in Dublin when they had a lead of 17-22 until the final minute when Crotty rumbled across the post to score a decisive try while Aaron Cruden added the conversion to ensure a two-point win for the visitors.

Describing it was a "special moment", the Crusaders star is keen to replicate the success at Soldier Field.

"I've pretty much had to apologise to every Irishman I've met since that day," said Crotty.

"It was a special moment for me and our team. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to score another try on Saturday.

"For me it was a very special moment. I was just happy to let the All Blacks be successful."

New Zealand will be heading into Saturday's clash following a 18-match unbeaten streak and now will face Ireland two times in three weeks.

The game will also present an opportunity for Crotty to take on his former Canterbury teammate and Ireland fullback Jared Payne.

Payne, who was born in Tauranga in New Zealand has also played for Under-21 team in 2006 and later decided to switch to Ireland.

"I played with Payno back at the Crusaders; crikey, that's going back eight or nine years," said Crotty, of Ireland's utility back Payne.

"It'd be cool to catch up with him. He's been in contact, so we might get a chance to meet up before the weekend.

"It'd be awesome to lock horns. It's always a good battle going up against your opposite number, so hopefully I'll get a chance to play against him.

"He was a real smart ass back in the day. He played full-back, so he was always chipping at the midfielders telling us to pass it.

"I'm very blessed to get the opportunity to get my chance in the midfield this year.

"I'm happy I've been able to make the most of it this year.

"There's four more big games this year. If I can play well in those four games I'll be pretty proud of the effort I put into the black jersey this year."