While Friday represents Ireland’s first game since July, New Zealand will arrive in Dublin buoyed by a thrilling 24-22 victory over England on Saturday, with the win sealed only when George Ford’s last-kick drop-goal attempt for the hosts sailed wide.
“That was some Test match, eh?” added Goodman, who has replaced Mike Catt on the Ireland coaching ticket this season.
“Fine margins and I think [New Zealand] showed how dangerous they can be from turnover, counter-attack rugby with some of the tries they scored there, the opportunities they created.”
The win came at a cost for All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson with fly-half Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor both ruled out against Ireland with head injuries sustained in the game.
Barrett’s absence will likely mean a return to the 10 jersey for Damian McKenzie, who started there during the Rugby Championship this summer, while Asafo Aumua came off the bench at hooker for 75 minutes against England.
“They’ve got some good cover there, obviously with McKenzie, who’s been playing 10 for them most of the season and then Will Jordan at full-back,” said Goodman.
“Asafo Aumua, coming in, played some pretty big minutes there and is a powerful runner. We know what he can do.
“So they’ve got great depth in all positions there so I’m sure they’ll back those guys to do a job.”
