Ireland went 111 years without beating New Zealand. They finally broke through in Chicago in November 2016 and have gone on to win four of the past seven meetings, including three of four under Farrell to signal a shift at the top of the game.
The Irish, however, have never won a knockout match at the World Cup, whereas the All Blacks have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup on three occasions and have only exited at the quarter-final stage once, in 2007.
A second last-eight elimination certainly seems possible, especially given New Zealand’s recent defeats by South Africa and France, both of whom are below Ireland in the world rankings.
But Smith, who scored two of New Zealand’s tries in the 2019 quarter-final win over Ireland in Tokyo, insisted he is driven not by the fear of failure, but the chance to write a new chapter in his team’s illustrious history.
“My energy is pushed towards more the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said the 34-year-old, who was part of New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
“The excitement of what we can control as a group.
“If you’re held down by the weight of the past, you won’t be able to do anything, you won’t be able to play well, you’ll be too scared to do anything, to try things, to trust your instincts.”
Smith, who made his All Blacks debut in a 42-10 win over Ireland in 2012, added: “Being free, being energised with intent – and there’s plenty of intent and want this weekend.
“I don’t think there’s the burden or the statistics or the weight on us like that. It’s a final at a World Cup for us and we’re ready to go.”
