Ireland banking on unity

David Hill checks out Luke McAlister's kicking in training at Hamilton yesterday. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Less than a year ago Brian O'Driscoll wore red and it was all about the Power of Four.

Optimism about the Lions tour was eclipsed only by the thunderous noise from their supporters. O'Driscoll lasted a minute and not long after, the tour was on the slide.

O'Driscoll and Ireland will stand alone in their famous green jerseys tonight in Hamilton looking to snap one of the longest losing streaks in international sport.

"There is a reason why Irish teams have not won before [against the All Blacks dating back to 1905] and that is because it is bloody hard," the Irish skipper said.

The Irish have dispensed the optimism themselves this trip because most of their fans exhausted their travel funds on the various Six Nations and Heineken Cup campaigns this year.

While the Irish mention their cohesion as a major weapon, the All Blacks have divided their resources for their opening three internationals. Has that closed the gap between the two rivals?

For all the Irish confidence and minimal rehearsal for the re-arranged All Blacks, the hosts look capable of stretching to 19, their unbeaten test run against the Irish. But it could be a heck of a scrap.

The All Blacks will fancy the harmony of their scrum, the Irish will relish attacking a revised All Black lineout and the throwing arm of Keven Mealamu.

If the Irish kick for territory and the sideline they will reduce the attacking thrust of midfielders O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy as they search to break the line around Aaron Mauger or Ma'a Nonu.

Those carrying the All Blacks possession would like to aim up at Irish five-eighths Ronan O'Gara, who kicks and distributes effectively but may not be the most robust defender.

"These guys are good but they are also human," O'Gara said of the All Blacks. "If we can get stuck into them they will make mistakes like any of us will."

There will be no problems in team patterns for the Irish with the bulk of their side coming from Munster. Whether that club knowledge can withstand a collection of internationals is one of the imponderables.

There will also be uncertainty about the conditions, and what impact any adverse weather will have on the intensity of this test.

But in a year when wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko were starved of Super 14 chances, the coaches will want to bring them heavily into this test. Twin opensiders Richie McCaw and Marty Holah can be used either side of Waikato Stadium to lend support or regain tackled ball.

The All Black pack has an international feel about it though they will be made to slog all night by a committed Irish eight. If there are a welter of scrums, the Irish will need tighthead prop John Hayes to hold up his side of the front row.

"As soon as you start fancying yourself that is where I think you come unstuck," All Black tighthead Carl Hayman said of his side's scrum. "We can't get too carried away, we just have to prepare well."

Behind the forward contest, the All Blacks look to have an edge in speed, skill and the class to attack the Irish out wide. But that is an assessment on paper and there will be uncertainty about Luke McAlister's direction and Nonu's concentration.

A great deal of responsibility will sit with Mauger to guide those players either side of him and a robust performance from halfback Byron Kelleher will also assist.

He looked sharp this week, trimmer than he had been and ready to make an early statement in the contest with Piri Weepu. Kelleher will look to hound his opposite Peter Stringer while his sniping runs will place huge pressure on the Irish inside defence.

This is a test of the All Black coaching staff, to see what style they ask of their side, and how they have prepared players who would form the nucleus of a premier choice XV.