Beware threat of the Irish

With all the talk about rotation, rest and recovery it could be easy to view tomorrow's international as less than a true "test", as in years gone by.

I suspect Graham Henry and his fellow selectors have not helped matters with the naming of extended squads and the messy Reuben Thorne business.

We have been given a definite impression by the All Black selectors that personnel will be matched to suit opposition and more importantly to assess individuals with the holy grail of Rugby World Cup 2007 firmly in mind.

Yet if I look at the starting XV to play Ireland, I see 10 players - Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Aaron Mauger, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman and Keven Mealamu - who would be first picks, or close to it, if this game was the World Cup final.

So Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, while trying to explain to - some would say educate - the unwashed public of the master plan for 2007, have at the same time chosen some heavy hitters to meet the Irish.

They are aware they have the backing of most supporters and media regarding current planning. Has there been such a cosy relationship since the John Hart era of 1996-97?

Ask Hart how 1998-99 went with the media and public after the results went sour. Some wanted more than mere blood from Hart, his family and even his unsuspecting racehorses.

While Henry and co are not exactly playing Russian roulette, they are giving Ireland a sniff even with the 10 heavyweights mixed with the rest.

Let's be honest; we expect the All Blacks to win. If it is close, we will look to fault the new guys and the annoying Irish for ruining our game.

If it's a big win then we will laud the new guys and dismiss the opposition as weak-kneed Guinness-drinking practical jokers.

However, I suspect things may be a bit tougher than we think. This Ireland team is based on the champion Munster team - the European equivalent of the Crusaders.

They have a very good coach and probably more attacking ability than any of the other Northern Hemisphere team at the moment. We have not been allowed to see the best of Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Geordan Murphy and Shane Horgan for various reasons.

These guys are good enough to manipulate the best of thinking defences. So Aaron Mauger from second five-eighths will need all his wits to guide those either side of him, Luke McAlister and particularly Ma'a Nonu through the full 80 minutes. Seventy minutes might not be enough the hold these Irish attackers.

Up front, Ireland will back themselves at the lineout where the All Blacks have called on Chris Jack rather than rely on starting the returning Troy Flavell. That hints at a safety measure, going for the first choice option in case things get a bit sticky at the set piece. And fair enough too.

Ireland like nothing better than when things get frantic and willing at the ruck and maul. It's not just a story that the likes of Willie John McBride used to thump one of his own to get the passion high.

Again, the All Black management has decided two tearaways, Marty Holah and McCaw, will be useful in this area and add pace around the field, although I have a sneaking suspicion Holah's selection may have a bit to do with the Hamilton venue as much as the tactics.

I wonder if Irish tighthead prop John Hayes will cope at scrum time. It's not the strongest part of his game, so this will be an area for the All Blacks to exploit.

Halfback Peter Stringer is a gutsy little player but may be vulnerable if not protected. Outside him, Ronan O'Gara has one of the sweetest tactical kicks in the game but isn't too interested in the tackling business so look for plenty of that to come his way.

So the Irish have some definite strengths and a few frailties, but will the All Blacks have the ability to exploit these to the maximum? I suspect not.

Traditionally the All Blacks struggle for accuracy and cohesion in the first international of the year and I suspect much the same tomorrow. It is a chance for the Irish to break their duck against the All Blacks.

The odds are with the All Blacks but if things go badly then Henry and co will certainly feel the heat in a way he hasn't so far during his reign.