Sam Whitelock looking forward to Ireland challenge
Sam Whitelock will play his 131st Test for New Zealand
©PA
New Zealand skipper Sam Whitelock is excited about the prospect of facing Ireland in the upcoming clash at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The All Blacks dominated the opening 28 fixtures between the two sides having won 27 out of it with one ending in a draw. Nevertheless, Ireland showed better response in the last four matches after winning two out of it.
Having registered their first ever win over the All Blacks in 2016 in Chicago, Ireland also secured a victory for the first time in Dublin when the two teams faced each other in the 2018 autumn internationals.
"This week is massive," said Whitelock.
"If you look back over the last five or six times we've played Ireland, they are big games and big occasions.
"Especially here (in Dublin), it's an amazing atmosphere that is hard to describe.
"Great teams get up and play well, and we will never be disappointed with what the Irish bring.
"We also don't want to disappoint them and so must put our best foot forward."
Whitelock also lavished praise on the All Blacks support staff and team management for handling the players well amid the pandemic coronavirus.
"It's nice seeing the energy of the boys," the veteran lock said.
"The squad in general is in a good spot and we've had some great training this week.
"Management have done a great job of holding some players back and managing when they play."
