Ireland’s Keenan downplays ‘revenge’ narrative for All Blacks match

Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan has stated that the team does not view Friday’s Test match against New Zealand in Dublin as a “revenge game,” despite the All Blacks having eliminated Ireland from last year’s World Cup. This upcoming match marks the first encounter between the two nations since the All Blacks defeated coach Andy Farrell’s team in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final. Keenan acknowledged that he is “still hurting” from that elimination, but indicated that sufficient time has elapsed to adopt a new perspective. Keenan, 28, commented, “A lot of things have changed since then, through playing squads and coaching staff even.” He added, “It’s a not a new cycle, but I don’t think we’re looking at it as a revenge game.” The fixture against the All Blacks initiates Ireland’s autumn series, which will also feature matches against Argentina, Fiji, and Australia, all to be played in Dublin. Keenan, who plays for Leinster, admitted that their World Cup departure in Paris constituted a “hugely disappointing loss,” but stressed that competing against New Zealand provides ample motivation. He stated, “It’s a game against one of the best nations in the world, historically the best team in the world.” Keenan further elaborated, “We have to view it as a fresh series, back at home and the excitement of playing four brilliant sides.” Keenan expressed that he “admired” the All Blacks during his formative years and considers it a “huge honour and privilege” to compete against them. He continued, “I’ve huge respect for them and that’s come into my playing career now.” Keenan also noted, “We’ve had some brilliant games against them, some have gone our way and some have gone theirs. It’s been a real battle.” Jonathan Sexton, a former Ireland captain, has rejoined the Ireland camp in a consultancy coaching role, a development Keenan described as “incredible having him back.” Keenan, who was also a teammate of Sexton’s at Leinster, stated, “He’s got an incredible rugby brain and his knowledge of the game is second to none.” He further remarked, “He was nearly like a coach when he was playing and I have learnt so much off him over the last number of years. I owe him a lot of credit for progressing my game.” Keenan anticipates that “a lot of the lads will be tapping him on the shoulder for bits of advice,” concluding, “It’s exciting to have him back in.” Keenan has rejoined coach Farrell’s squad following a temporary period with Ireland’s sevens team at the Paris Olympics in July. The full-back initiated his international career in the sevens format and made his 15s debut for Ireland in 2020. Keenan acknowledged that the transition back to the 15s game was “probably an easier transition” compared to readapting for his recent time in sevens. He explained, “I’ve obviously been playing the 15s game the last five or so years. I’d been out of the Sevens game for a longer period, so I had to refresh a lot on the systems and style of play.” He added, “It feels natural to be back playing 15s. I’m enjoying it with Leinster and now I’m excited for the next couple of weeks.” Keenan holds the belief that his participation in sevens rugby earlier in his career contributed to his development as a player, and he hopes to have further progressed through his Olympic experience. He stated, “Hopefully I’ve picked up things, both in attack and defence, from the sevens game and players.” Keenan further elaborated, “It did a huge amount for me in my development in my younger years in the academy. I put a lot of my progress down to the sevens game and that was one of the reasons I wanted to go back and challenge myself again.”