New Zealand v Ireland: Sheehan challenges Ireland to ‘make our own history’

Ireland captain Dan Sheehan says Andy Farrell’s side must “make our own history” when they face New Zealand at Eden Park in the Nations Championship on Saturday (08:10 BST).

The All Blacks have not been beaten in their Auckland stronghold since 1994 and Ireland won a Test series away from home in 2022, losing the first of the three-match series at Eden Park.

They followed it up with a first away win against the All Blacks in Dunedin before clinch the series in Wellington.

While New Zealand’s record at their “iconic” Auckland fortress has generated its share of speculation ahead of kick-off this week, Sheehan insisted it was not “something we focused heavily on”.

“It’s a special record, but we’re trying to get the best out of the group we’ve seen this year and we think we have it in us,” said the 27-year-old Leinster hooker.

“The ability of the squad, if we get them out, it will be a great game and hopefully we will come out on top.

“They’re an incredible outfit, especially at home, so any good performance on New Zealand soil is something to remember. We’ll be looking to replicate that.

“We’ve got a new team here and a lot of guys haven’t been on that tour, so we’ve got to make our own history.”