The ‘small 1%’ that could help Ireland at Eden ParkImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ireland’s last attempt to topple New Zealand at Eden Park in July 2022 ended in defeatByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished12 minutes agoUnbeaten in 52 Tests across 32 years.To say Eden Park is a fortress for New Zealand is an understatement. Ireland will become the just in side to try and topple the All Blacks at the famous ground in Auckland in the Nations Championship on Saturday.The last attempt was in 2022 when they were dismantled 42-19, and although Ireland would rally to win a series on New Zealand turf for the first time, Eden Park would not be breached.Even for an international who had 100 caps to his name, it is not for the faint-hearted as you run out onto the pitch, illuminated by floodlights with 60,000 New Zealand fans giving their all against you.In both of Conor Murray’s appearances at Eden Park in 2012 and again 10 years later, the All Blacks put 40 points on Ireland with dominant wins.”It’s daunting, we went there in 2012 and got served,” former Ireland scum-half Murray stated on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast.
“Twickenham is one stadium I always found hard to just go to and play, especially early on because the history and the quality of the side you were playing.
“Eden Park is that, and up a level again.”
