Forget the past, only the next game counts says All Blacks' Hansen on Ireland crunch

SHOWS:

TOKYO, JAPAN (OCTOBER 14, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND RUGBY TEAM COACH, STEVE HANSEN, SAYING:

"Obviously we're facing Ireland so we know that, that's the best part, we know who we're playing. They're a quality side, they've been number one this year. I think their last three results are loss-win-loss so there won't be any complacency in their camp so it's pretty exciting, we're right where we want to be."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND RUGBY TEAM COACH, STEVE HANSEN, SAYING:

"We enjoy playing them (Ireland Rugby team) and that doesn't change because they've beaten us a couple of times. A lot of people are getting caught up in the past, it's about what's going to happen on Saturday (October 19) that is going to matter, anything that's happened prior to that is irrelevant."

STORY: The All Blacks recent history with Ireland counted for nothing in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final this Saturday (October 19) according to New Zealand coach Steve Hansen on Monday (October 14), with whoever showed up on the day most likely to earn a spot in the last four.

"We enjoy playing them (Ireland Rugby team) and that doesn't change because they've beaten us a couple of times. A lot of people are getting caught up in the past, it's about what's going to happen on Saturday (October 19)", said Hansen.

Ireland have fashioned an impressive record under New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt in the last six years with the side claiming their first wins against the All Blacks and they have two wins each in the four games since 2013.

One of those All Blacks' wins was considered 'The Great Escape' when Ryan Crotty crossed deep into injury time to level the scores before Aaron Cruden slotted a conversion from close to the sideline to record a 24-22 victory.

(Production: Lucien Libert)