In this case Ireland's long-suffering rugby supporters could need something stronger than a stout or two to wash away the pain of what is likely to be an extremely tough day at the office for them and their side.
The All Blacks, at the end of a long season, will be energised by an opportunity to finish it on a high. They are on the brink of going through a calendar year with a perfect record and coach Steve Hansen has already said that chance of creating history will play a part in his selections this week.
For an insight into how Ireland are feeling ahead of Monday morning's test at Aviva Stadium, you need only glance at the local papers after Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt's second game in charge finished in a 32-15 defeat at the hands of Australia.
Having failed to score a try against a Wallabies team still trying to find its way under Ewen McKenzie - and the issues he has were crystalized by his sanctioning 15 players for drinking during the week before their win in Dublin - the Irish media are wondering whether it was so bad under former coach Declan Kidney after all.
Schmidt is already asking for patience - never a good sign.
To make matters worse, first-five Johnny Sexton has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.
Apart from Ireland's poor record against the All Blacks, the main problem the home side faces is the lack of world class players. Of the team that played Australia, only No8 Jamie Heaslip, lock and captain Paul O'Connell and veteran centre Brian O'Driscoll could be considered international players from the top drawer.
On the other hand, Frank Halai, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty, Francis Saili, Dominic Bird and TJ Perenara - who have all had limited opportunities on this northern tour - would walk into many other international starting line-ups. Of the six, perhaps Crotty and Perenara have a chance of making the reserves bench for Monday morning. How Ireland would wish to have players of that quality available for their bench.
Perenara was hoping to make his test debut this week, but Hansen's determination to finish the year with a flourish - and Dan Carter's injury - could delay that milestone.
The past fortnight has reaped two closely-fought victories over France and England, the margin of victory seven and eight points respectively. The All Blacks have had to scrap hard. A good start in this one could quickly bring back memories of the 60-0 thrashing in Hamilton in June last year and they won't be pleasant.
For the All Blacks it would be a celebration of a year well done. For Ireland it would be the start of more soul-searching, their first win over New Zealand further away than ever.
All Blacks record v Ireland
Played 27, won 26, 1 draw
Tries scored - All Blacks: 103, Ireland: 30
All Blacks' best result: 60-0 win at Waikato Stadium in 2012
Ireland's best result: 10-10 draw at Landsdowne Road in 1973
