Serge Betsen:'Ireland must control their emotions to beat New Zealand'

Former French flanker Serge Betsen believes that Ireland will have to keep their emotions in check if they are to overcome the threat of New Zealand this weekend.

Ireland and New Zealand face off in the World Rugby Cup quarter-final clash, and for both, it means so much. The All-Blacks can restore their status as one of the best teams in the world, while Ireland can make it to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time ever in their history.

Ireland has beaten every side they have faced so far, including current holders South Africa. Betsen, who played 63 times for France, believes that Ian Foster's New Zealand side will need to up their game immeasurably if they are to beat Ireland on Saturday night.

The good thing for Ireland is that they have New Zealand's number. A first ever win in New Zealand and an Autumn win by Ireland have given Andy Farrell's side added belief coming into the game. Although New Zealand can never be underestimated

"I was at Stade de France for Ireland against South Africa. For me, that was the game of the tournament so far. The intensity, the speed, I love tackling, as you know, rucking. I am not sure that Ireland will be able to repeat that level of the game. My question is, can the All Blacks recover their best?" he said.

Ireland and New Zealand takes place this evening (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

"They haven’t been at that level yet. I hope they will push Ireland, but I am not sure that will be the case. The All Blacks have nothing to lose. They are not at the level they used to be."

However, Betsen also believes that Ireland will have to bottle the pressure and emotion of trying to overcome their quarter-final hoodoo.

"Ireland is clinical, so disciplined in defence they rarely concede tries. The forwards are phenomenal. The movement around the park, the effectiveness in the tackle, they really are at the top of their game.

"But you cannot forget they have never reached the semi-final of a World Cup. This will be the task emotionally they will have to achieve and the mindset of 'do we have all the tools to be able to do it?'"

Betsen was speaking to Genting Casino ahead of Ireland vs New Zealand.