New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said his players are “well aware of Ireland’s ability” as the two teams prepare to meet in Saturday’s Nations Championship match in Auckland.

Andy Farrell’s side have registered two bonus-point wins so far, while the All Blacks are also undefeated in the Nations Championship after wins against Italy and France.

Ireland have never won before at Eden Park and are aiming to end New Zealand’s impressive 52-game unbeaten run at the venue (kick-off 08:10 BST).

“There’s a healthy amount of respect for the Irish. We’re well aware of their ability and they’ll come in and genuinely believe they can beat us,” Rennie told media in the build-up to the game.

“They’re very well coached and so they’ll be well prepared. They’re very skilful, their forwards have got a really good short passing game. They’ll ask lots of questions of us there and at set-piece.

“Defensively, their ability to fill the field [is strong]. They are a good side and you have got to be patient in an effort to break them down.”

Despite already playing twice on home soil in the inaugural Nations Championship, New Zealand will relish a return to Eden Park, where they have not lost a Test since France were the victors in 1994.

However, the New Zealand coach said they cannot rest on their laurels when they welcome an Ireland side who are unbeaten in six games.

“It’s always nice going to Eden Park. It’ll be nice having a lot of supporters cheering for us,” he continued.

“It’s been a fortress, but what’s happened in the past counts for little. It’s about us making sure we get our prep right and mindset right.

“To play against an Irish side who, last time they toured this country, they won a series.”

Rennie also added the importance of closing down New Zealand-born scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.

The Leinster half-back crossed during Ireland’s tight 33-31 victory over Australia but did not feature in the much-changed team that faced Japan.

“Leinster have had a massive influence on Irish rugby for a lot of years. I like their combinations. They’re really strong. Jamison’s a big part of their success.

“We need to make life difficult for him so he can’t play on the front foot and apply pressure that way.”