Photos: All Blacks training sessionKEY POINTS:
It is standard procedure for the All Blacks to start their international season slowly and take a while to achieve accuracy and cohesion.
They almost always win these early matches, due more to the quality - or lack of - of the opposition rather than themselves producing a high-calibre performance.
In recent times, the opponents have ranged from patched-up Pacific Islands team or second-tier outfits from the Northern Hemisphere.
I suspect the All Blacks have treated these matches as nothing more than warm ups for the Tri-Nations, not unlike the public in fact.
With a host of new players, reverting to the old rules, a better-than-before Ireland team and the continued chatter throughout the land about the Rugby World Cup fallout, this test has added pressure for all involved.
The Irish team are the best available. They have played together a lot and know what to expect from the All Blacks.
Strangely, the real Irish coach, Declan Kidney, is observing the team from the grandstand. How will he feel if they achieve a first-ever test win over the All Blacks while he's munching on a meat pie?
As usual the forward pack which gets on top will dictate the pattern of the match. The Irish will look at the inexperienced All Black pack and probably smile.
John Afoa has played great rugby in the Super 14 and deserves to fill Carl Hayman's rather large tighthead shoes. Andrew Hore has been the best open field hooker in New Zealand this season and the All Black selectors seem to have a preference for Keven Mealamu as an impact player.
Neemia Tialata gets a chance with Tony Woodcock's injury and is chosen more on reputation and the selectors' belief than current form.
Luckily for him he's marking John Hayes - at best a journeyman, at worst a liability. The scrum will be even and may depend on who gets the best of the referee, Englishman Chris White.
Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell are quality second rowers. Ali Williams and Brad Thorn will be hard pressed to match them at the lineout and the physical and mental battle between the four could determine who wins the forward contest.
Jerome Kaino will be looking to consolidate his position in the squad while Rodney So'oialo is at the centre of this pack. I suspect his ribs are still not 100 per cent but such is his importance the selectors have rushed him in.
Sione Lauaki has apparently been rested after relatively little Super 14 action and does not even make the bench.
Hopefully this gives Adam Thomson a chance for some game time. The selectors have seen something special and wouldn't it be great if he comes through and fulfils their trust. Like many he has size and speed. What seems to make him different is his attitude to attempt things which others regard as impossible. I am reminded of times past when players supposedly too old with no age-group pedigree have emerged as great All Blacks.
The Irish loose forwards have pace and love belting the opposition and themselves. They will thrive if things become a brawl.
The All Blacks will need to concentrate hard on getting back to the old rules. The Northern Hemisphere referee will be helpful to the Irish cause and Richie McCaw will need to be on his best behaviour at the breakdown.
Some in the north rate Ronan O'Gara as the best No 10 in the world. Such talk is dangerous when playing Dan Carter in present form.
The proposed Carter sabbatical is a whole debate in itself. What I do like is his desire and passion to play for New Zealand. This will be Carter's first test against Ireland so expect something special.
Ma'a Nonu deserves his selection, he has improved his distribution and defence. He needs to stay cool under pressure, even play within himself which will be enough to give Brian O'Driscoll and Paddy Wallace plenty to worry about.
Conrad Smith is the perfect foil for Nonu with his organisation and work rate. The back three are a good mix of pace, flair and experience.
Again Mils Muliaina will be vital in controlling and organising.
So it should be an All Blacks win. The Irish have been playing for nearly 11 months; their hosts are pretty fresh.
Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks, so why should this be different?
Ireland warmed up well against the UK Barbarians and will back themselves in the forwards.
The weather forecast is not great which may suit the rip and bust style the Irish can bring to a match.
The structure of world rugby is changing fast with the momentum in many ways shifting north.
The All Blacks, and the country, needs a special performance.
* John Drake is a former All Black test prop
