Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong feels recent wins over the All Blacks will mean nothing, if they can't beat them in next weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown.
Japan's historic win over Scotland saw Ireland finish second in Pool A, setting up a mammoth showdown against New Zealand - the first time the two nations will square off at a World Cup.
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In 31 tests dating back to 1905, the All Blacks have only lost to Ireland twice, but those two defeats have come in their last three meetings - a 40-29 loss in Chicago 2019 and 16-9 in Dublin last year.
Furlong started in both those tests and knows something special is needed, if the Irish are to beat the two-time defending champions again, propelling Ireland to their first World Cup semi.
"I suppose you can draw a bit of confidence from previous wins, but rugby evolves and it evolves quickly," said Furlong.
"We haven't played them that recently now, really, and the game moves on - things changes, systems change.
"It gives us confidence that we have got results in the past, but at the same time, it doesn't guarantee you anything.
"It doesn't mean they're going to rock up and play the same plan as before."
Furlong warned that Ireland can't afford to switch off, even for a second, if they're going to win.
"They are so dangerous. You can't switch off at all.
"So it's just working hard and staying switched on mentally, because they can make something out of nothing with some of the players they have.
"I suppose there's an element of just being physical.
"It's the same with any rugby game you play, but as a front-five forward, it's all about being as physical as you can and hopefully coming out on top."
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