Ireland v New Zealand: Kiss knows side have work cut out

Big chance: Young lock Devin Toner (with ball) will partner Paul O'Conell in the second row. Picture: Getty

New Zealand’s ability to escape white-hot pressure situations makes them the “mightiest challenge in rugby”, according to Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss.

Kiss believes the All Blacks deflect the “blowtorch of pressure” better than any other side in the world, by continually increasing the pace of their game.

Ireland have never beaten New Zealand in 27 attempts, but Kiss is adamant Joe Schmidt’s side remain unfazed – even after leaking four tries in 32-15 Australia defeat last weekend. Backing Ireland to break their Kiwi duck in Dublin today, defence specialist Kiss said: “They can move the ball quicker than anyone, they back their skill sets.

“I don’t want to build them up any more, but they do deserve all the press they have had.

“They can have the blowtorch of pressure right on their belly and they still find ways out of those situations. This is the mightiest challenge in rugby but it doesn’t scare us off.”

Ireland entered the autumn international Guinness Series with high hopes for life under new boss Schmidt.

The former Leinster coach can boast success in every club stint, but has already been alerted to the size of the task with Ireland.

Totems such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell are entering their career twilights, and one of Schmidt’s biggest challenges will be to usher through the next generation – without delay.

Leinster lock Devin Toner has clearly been earmarked as O’Connell’s tight-five partner, winning selection for all three autumn Tests.

But Toner is just like a host of other developing Ireland stars: already in their mid-20s, but with far fewer caps than their age.