Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sheehan was part of the Ireland squad that won a 2022 Test series in New Zealand
ByDavid MohanBBC Sport NI journalist- Published35 minutes ago
Ireland captain Dan Sheehan says Andy Farrell's side must "make our own history" when they take on New Zealand at Eden Park in the Nations Championship on Saturday [08:10 BST].
The All Blacks have not been beaten at their Auckland fortress since 1994 and while Ireland won a Test series on away soil in 2022, they lost at Eden Park in the first of a three-match series.
They did follow that up with a first away win over the All Blacks in Dunedin before clinching the series in Wellington.
While New Zealand's record at their "iconic" Auckland fortress has formed part of the conjecture prior to kick-off this week, Sheehan insists that has not been "something we've focused on massively".
"It's a special record, but we're trying to get the best out of the group we've seen this year and we think we have it in us," the 27-year-old Leinster hooker said.
"The capabilities in the squad, if we get them out, it will be a great game and hopefully we come out on top.
"They are an incredible outfit, especially at home, so any good performance on New Zealand soil is something to remember. We will be looking to recreate that.
"We've a new group here and a lot of the lads weren't on that tour, so we've got to make our own history."
'Performance haven't been where we wanted'
Ireland have collected maximum points from their opening Nations Championship games against Australia and Japan, but there have been concerns raised about the level of performance in both as they prepare for the toughest test of this Southern Series phase of the competition.
Sheehan is hopeful it will all come together against Dave Rennie's side who also enter this game with maximum points following victories over France and Italy.
"Performances haven't been where we wanted, but we have a great opportunity to bring it all together for a bit game tomorrow," Sheehan said.
"Everyone is excited and it's been in the calendar for a while, so a great opportunity to finish the season on a high.
"We saw improvements in all the campaigns we've had this year. We had a slow start and built nicely through it, so hopefully we get the best tomorrow as New Zealand are playing good rugby and flying high in this stadium."
'Jansen brings incredible energy'
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jansen scored a try on his Ireland debut during last week's win over Japan
It could be a special day for New Zealand-born Sean Jansen who is named among the Ireland replacements.
The 27-year-old back row plays his club rugby for Connacht and qualifies for Ireland though his grandparents, making a try-scoring debut in the victory over Japan last weekend.
"It's my first campaign with Sean and what a player," Sheehan added.
"Every time we come up against him with Connacht, he's the one person we talk about you have to manage. What a ball-carrier in attack, brings incredible energy and thought he was unbelievable last week for a debut - stand out and do your thing, and he did it in spades.
"It's brilliant he gets his reward tomorrow and hopefully has a similar game off the bench."
