It’s All Blacks week. At the beginning of his career, Gordon D’Arcy never felt like Ireland could get close to New Zealand. Towards the end, Joe Schmidt’s Irish side began to see themselves as equals. Regardless, the last chance for a number of Ireland players, including D’Arcy, O’Driscoll and O’Connell, ended in an agonising defeat.

Joining host Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck is D’Arcy himself as he looks back on the emotion of coming so close to turning New Zealand over. Featuring tears, defensive mistakes and shaved beards, stories of Ireland and the All Blacks will never be short of intrigue. We also look back on New Zealand’s narrow win over England, picking apart what Ireland can learn ahead of Friday night’s showdown.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Adam Hastings with the outrageous backdoor pass.

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