John Allan says Ireland should brace for a big response from the All Blacks in Dublin on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

The world’s top two ranked teams come into the clash at the Aviva Stadium having underwhelmed in their respective wins against England and Argentina. The All Blacks were a late disallowed try away from losing at Twickenham, while Ireland needed a second-half try from replacement Luke McGrath to secure victory against the Pumas.

Glasgow-born Allan, who played hooker for both Scotland and the Springboks, expects the All Blacks to be motivated to put their poor showing in London to bed.

‘I think New Zealand got a wake-up call last week,’ Allan told SARugbymag.co.za. ‘I am afraid Ireland are going to get the backlash. While Ireland have beaten them before [in 2016], [All Blacks coach] Steven Hansen has selected his best team for Saturday.

‘There is a little bit of hope for Ireland as they are playing the All Blacks in Dublin. But New Zealand will have to play average for them to win.

‘I don’t think they will play average. Their coaches won’t allow them to. They are going to play to their potential and it is just unfortunate that Ireland are going to get them at the wrong time.’

PREVIEW: Ireland vs All Blacks

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