New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter is expecting a "ferocious" response from Ireland on Saturday after the tourists were comprehensively beaten in the first Test.
Carter was in majestic form in the 42-10 win in Auckland last weekend and slotted seven from eight kicks, including two successful efforts from the halfway line. He also sent Julian Savea scampering free for the first of three debut tries and was denied one of his own in the dying seconds as Rob Kearney made a last-ditch tackle.
"Every time you come up against the Irish you never take them as an easy opponent," he said. "They are always extremely ferocious, they get stuck in and are a dangerous side to play against."
He went on: "This season has put Irish rugby in really good stead with a couple of Irish teams (Leinster and Ulster) stepping out at the Heineken Cup final. Irish rugby is on a high at the moment and deservedly so.
"I'm sure it will be a huge battle."
Carter comfortably outperformed his opposite number Jonathan Sexton at Eden Park but retains huge respect for the Leinster man.
"Sexton is a great kicker of the ball but he has a lot of attacking flair as well," added Carter.
"He can take the ball to the line. As a team playing against that, you have to be wary of 10s that like to run the ball. It's a great strength to his game."
