18 Oct 2019

Rugby World Cup: Jack Goodhue faces his biggest game

From Checkpoint, 5:20 pm on 18 October 2019

It's the eve of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland in Tokyo, and the teams are going through their traditional captain's run as they finalise their preparations for the do-or-die clash.

Will the defending champs prove the bookies right and take one step closer to a third straight title? Or will the Irish make history and reach their first ever semi-final at a World Cup?

The All Blacks have just had their final press conference with assistant coach Ian Foster, lock Sam Whitelock and centre Jack Goodhue providing their thoughts on the match.

The 24-year-old Jack Goodhue beat out veterans Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams to start and he concedes this is the biggest game of his career.

And Sam Whitelock, who's had many big matches and won two World Cups, says these kinds of games are special and what every player dreams of.

While confirming it's important to prepare as normal, Goodhue says you also have to acknowledge and embrace the size of the occasion.

We're joined RNZ rugby reporter Joe Porter, who's just been at the press conference in Tokyo.