And so, to the big one. Both of the bonus point wins over the last two Saturdays had served their purposes in different ways, but the dust had barely settled on Ireland’s 36-20 win over Japan in Newcastle than attention had turned to the ultimate test in Test rugby and what Andy Farrell believes will need to be “the performance of our lives”. Ireland sign off the 2025-26 season with the daunting prospect of playing New Zealand in their Eden Park citadel. The All Blacks haven’t lost in more than 50 matches there, dating back to France beating them in 1994 with “the try from the end of the world”.Daunting yes but, true to type, Farrell sees it a privilege too. Reaction: Ireland run in five tries as they beat Japan Listen | 22:08“We’re the lucky ones, we have a shot at doing something that nobody’s done, certainly in the last wee while, for a reason, because it’s their Mecca, it’s their ground where they tend to attack the game, and we’ve been on the end of that,” he said, referring to the first Test defeat there in 2022 before Ireland came back to win the series.“I’ve been on the end of that plenty of times. But this is a one-off chance, and we’ve got to see what we’re made of. All you can do is be the best version of yourselves and see what that type of opportunity can bring out in you, but there has to be a realisation of what you’re coming up against as well.”All but three of the 36-man squad have played a part, and Farrell conveyed little doubt that Robert Baloucoune will be fit after resting his tight hamstring another week. Andy Farrell: 'The lads are in fantastic spirits.'