Steve Hansen has insisted that the back-to-back world champions New Zealand are the underdogs for the rematch with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Hansen boasts a 92% win record in his four years as the All Blacks head coach, but he believes that Ireland’s historic win in Chicago alters the complexion of the Aviva Stadium game on Saturday.

Ireland claimed their first win against New Zealand at Soldier Field on 5 November, their 40-29 victory breaking a 111-year duck.

New Zealand will field the fit-again lock duo Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock for the Dublin Test on Saturday, with Israel Dagg selected on the wing to counter Ireland’s exacting aerial kicking threat.

“As expected, there is huge excitement and anticipation within our squad ahead of this weekend’s Test against the Irish,” Hansen said. “While there was obvious disappointment at the loss in Chicago, disappointment doesn’t win Test matches – it’s about having great preparation and attitude, and delivering on the day.

“We know the challenge we face from Ireland will again be massive and we are going into the game as the underdogs. They’ll be full of confidence and committed to delivering on their home patch.

“So we will have to take a massive step up, to get the performance we are looking for. It is a challenge that this team needs right now and how we respond will tell us a lot about ourselves. As I said, we are very much looking forward to Saturday.”

Ireland can be sure to scoff at Hansen’s claim that New Zealand are the underdogs, and the bookies would back that up too. Ireland are generally on offer at 6-1 for victory, with the All Blacks hot favourites at 1-9 to win.

Ireland ended New Zealand’s record-breaking 18-match winning sequence in Chicago but Joe Schmidt, the head coach, has since insisted his side caught the All Blacks at an “opportune moment” due to injuries. New Zealand bounced back from their Chicago defeat with an emphatic win against Italy last week, scoring 10 tries in a 68-10 victory at Stadio Olimpico.

The restoration of Retallick and Whitelock will boost the All Blacks’ shape. Retallick has beaten concussion while Whitelock has proved his fitness this week after ankle trouble.

Dagg’s selection on the wing is designed to prevent Ireland’s impressive high-ball work, his comfort at full-back and under the garryowen a boost to the defensive qualities in New Zealand’s back-three.

All Blacks team to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday

B Smith (Highlanders), I Dagg (Crusaders), M Fekitoa (Highlanders), A Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), J Savea (Hurricanes), B Barrett (Hurricanes), A Smith (Highlanders), J Moody (Crusaders), D Coles (Hurricanes), O Franks (Crusaders), B Retallick (Chiefs), S Whitelock (Crusaders), L Squire (Highlanders), S Cane (Chiefs), K Read (Crusaders, capt). Replacements C Taylor (Crusaders), W Crockett (Crusaders), C Faumuina (Blues), S Barrett (Crusaders), A Savea (Hurricanes), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), A Cruden (Chiefs), W Naholo (Highlanders)