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DUBLIN - Their test records suggest the back three should be a strength for the All Blacks as they seek to keep their rugby Grand Slam bid and unbeaten record against Ireland intact on Sunday (NZT).
Yet the combination of Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu may privately be considered vulnerable by the Irish as they plot what would be a historic maiden test victory.
There had been little doubt the first-choice fullback and most experienced wing options would feature in what is considered the All Blacks' strongest 15 for the test at Croke Park.
Despite their 145 tests worth of experience and, in the case of cousins Sivivatu and Rokocoko, their historically impressive tryscoring strike rates, there is an element of uncertainty about what impact they could provide in concert against an Irish side rated highly by the All Blacks coaching staff.
That much was evident early this morning when head coach Graham Henry named a team with 618 caps worth of experience, a clear admission the quality of Ireland's last three tests on New Zealand soil warranted the selection of New Zealand's top side.
After experimenting against Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend, Henry has largely reverted to the combinations responsible for retaining the Tri-Nations title and Bledisloe Cup in Brisbane on September 13.
Notably, his back three do not meet those specifications.
While Muliaina and Sivivatu have been fixtures this season, Rokocoko only made his comeback to international rugby against Scotland after an injury-plagued season.
Rokocoko did not meet his exacting standards against Scotland after a 13-month absence from the test team although he still approaches his 50th test with 43 tries to his name.
Entering this season Sivivatu had fashioned an even better ratio with 21 tries at one per outing.
But just three touchdowns in his last 10 tests - with one against the Wallabies in Hong Kong on November 1 breaking an eight-game drought - indicate he is not the offensive threat of previous seasons.
The pedigree of Muliaina, back from parental leave, is without question but his lack of game time since the Tri-Nations decider on September 13 raises a question mark about his readiness for what promises to be a searching examination via the boot of Ronan O'Gara.
Muliaina has had only two hours of competitive rugby since the Bledisloe Cup was secured.
Despite those possible shortcomings, assistant coach Wayne Smith has spoken bullishly of the back three's potency ahead of what will be their first run as a unit since the Tri-Nations win at Durban in June last year.
Rokocoko has been asked to vacate his customary left wing berth, adding to his challenges, although Smith has no doubts the 25-year-old is equal to the task despite never threatening to score during the 32-6 win over Scotland.
"Clearly Joe's had a frustrating season with injuries but he looks quick in training and he was quick last week," Smith said.
"When he lit the turbos he's been pretty impressive. He had a couple of cracks on Saturday, we got quick ball off him, he fought hard in the tackle. He did enough for me."
Smith also lauded Rokocoko and Sivivatu's ability to work together.
"They've had their moments together, they've had some good matches," he said.
"Siti has developed his coverage skills and Joe is a really good chaser with a good workrate. I think they complement each other. I wouldn't want to be marking them."
Tactical kicking is hardly a strong suit for either since the All Blacks have focused on this facet for their wings following the advent of the experimental law variations (ELVS), although Muliaina's presence adds security in that department.
Understudies Isaia Toeava and Cory Jane have not let the side down since Muliaina has been on maternity leave but the return of the 65-test veteran has been keenly anticipated.
"He's got all the skills. It's not just Siti and Joe who benefit from having Mils back, it's the whole team. He's a good talker and has a special relationship with his wings," Smith said.
Smith does not consider Muliaina's limited preparation as a disadvantage.
"He's a big match player ... the bigger the match, the better Mils plays.
"We have seen that over the years and we saw it again this year. When the big games came around he was the best player on the track so we expect he'll perform again."
ALL BLACKS V IRELAND
Played 21 - New Zealand won 20; Ireland won 0, drawn 1
Points scored - New Zealand 538; Ireland 210
First test: New Zealand 15 Ireland 0 at Dublin, Nov 25 1905
Latest test: New Zealand 21 Ireland 11 at Wellington, June 7 2008
Drawn match: 10-10 at Dublin, Jan 20 1973
New Zealand's biggest winning margin: 53 points - New Zealand 59 Ireland 6 at Wellington, June 6 1992
New Zealand's winning sequence: 15 tests - Nov 11, 1974 to present day.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.
Ireland
Girvan Dempsey, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (captain), Luke Fitzgerald, Robert Kearney, Ronan O'Gara, Tomas O'Leary, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, John Hayes, Rory Best, Marcus Horan.
Reserves: Jerry Flannery, Tony Buckley, Stephen Ferris, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls.
- NZPA
