New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie says his side is "well aware of Ireland's ability" as the two teams prepare to meet in Saturday's Nations Championship match at Eden Park.

The All Blacks are excited to return to a stadium they haven’t lost a Test in since 1994, but Rennie stresses they can’t rest on that legacy when facing an unbeaten Ireland side. "It’s about us making sure we get our prep right and mindset right," he said.

Ireland’s recent six‑game unbeaten run and their 33‑31 win over Australia highlight the challenge. Rennie also notes the importance of closing down Ireland‑born scrum‑half Jamison Gibson‑Park, who played in that tight match but missed the game against Japan.

Leinster have had a massive influence on Irish rugby for years, and Rennie believes the All Blacks need to make life difficult for Gibson‑Park to keep him from playing on the front foot and applying pressure.