All Blacks assistant coach credits bench impact to 'absolute champion'

The All Blacks have produced one of their best performances in 2024, toppling Ireland 23-13 in Dublin.

Not too long ago the All Blacks were struggling to close out Test matches late in the game. But now Scott Robertson’s side has been on the right end of two close contests in a row, boosting the team's confidence moving forward.

The Kiwis are now three from three on their end-of-year Northern tour and pose superb form heading into the last two Tests of 2024, against France in Paris and Italy in Turin. 

Ryan feels proud of the way his team began the grudge match in Dublin.

“Yeah hell of a contest, like massive respect for Ireland, they’ve been together a long time, they know their game, they know their identity and I’m just really proud about how we started the Test match." Ryan said to Sir John Kirwan and Taylah Johnson on Sky Sport.

“We had a lot of urgency, in a short turnaround we said right at the start of the week that it will not be an excuse, we are fit enough and strong enough at this time of the year, just get yourself mentally right. 

“Just really proud of the boys that came on again and did a really good job."

Robertson’s side continued their positive bench impact against Ireland, significantly improving on the early bench struggles the All Blacks had in The Rugby Championship in  2024. 

Ryan credits his bench players and what they have added to this All Blacks squad of late.

“I think it’s fair to say probably at the start of the season it wasn't probably quite where we were at, we have a bit more experience back, Patrick Tuipulotu has been unreal, Ofa (Tu'ungafasi) off the bench has been just an absolute champion, and we've got young boys that have added some pop.

“You know I can’t say enough about Asafo (Aumua) tonight, he was amazing, and he was last night too. Really proud of him, really proud.”

The Ireland vs All Blacks game had an added twist other than the Test match itself, having the Rieko Ioane feud with recently retired Johnny Sexton fresh in the minds of both camps.

Assistant coach Ryan says Rieko Ioane leading the haka was a “subtle” decision. 

“It was good wasn't it, it was nice and subtle, he did it really well too actually, really proud moment for him. It was awesome, we talked to the boys and what it meant to him so it was really special.”

Looking towards next weekend’s match against France at Stade de France, Ryan believes the two wins against England and Ireland have bolstered his team’s ability to win tight contests.

“Last week we found a way, and I think it gave us a lot of confidence, it could have gone either way, winning can be whatever it looks like in every test, you just have to win and you gotta enjoy them and enjoy that moment.

“I know it gave us a lot of confidence that we found a way, and then we just hit this week humming we were really clear and what we needed to do and how we wanted to play, Scooter (Scott Barrett) is doing a great job of driving the boys around the park.”