Beware All Black 'clones' Skinstad warns Ireland

Forget playing the All Blacks' top lineup - Sunday's task could be even tougher for Ireland, says former Springboks rugby captain Bobby Skinstad.

Having watched the All Blacks during the Tri-Nations, then followed the NPC on television, he believes their new-look 15 have danger written all over them.

"In some ways I believe it could be even more difficult [for Ireland]," Skinstad told the Irish Independent newspaper.

"The guys who are playing on Saturday will give as much, if not more, for the All Blacks jersey because they see it as a spark of hope.

"Daniel Carter is probably the most accomplished player in the world at the moment.

"But let me assure you, Nick Evans has played some tremendous games in the NPC in that position.

"He's not going to be foreign to No 10 at all."

South African coach Jake White experimented and lost against Ireland here a year ago.

However, Skinstad didn't believe a changed 15 was a sign of disrespect from the All Blacks this time.

"The point with the All Blacks is that there is so little between the players in so many positions," he said.

"The wings are just one example. Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu are like clones. Very fast, skilful clones."

Skinstad said that "at fullback they are equally polished. Look at the back row".

"If Chris Masoe and Rodney So'oialo were to come in to replace Richie McCaw and Jerry Collins, 99 per cent of teams in the world are not going to know the difference. That's the type of backup they have."

Skinstad said the only headache facing coach Graham Henry was that he had an embarrassment of riches.

Very similar to Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid.

The All Blacks were this week described in the Irish media as the Chelsea of world rugby, in reference to the English premiership soccer giants.

"One of Henry's biggest tasks is the management of that, and I think he's going about it the right way," Skinstad said.

"They are probably healthy enough to field two first-class teams."

- NZPA