Low key Irish welcome for All Blacks

James Ryan

The All Blacks received a subdued welcome in Dublin today with the squad receiving no flak over the controversial Brian O'Driscoll tackle.

Coach Graham Henry is keeping quiet on possible team selections ahead of this weekend's test against Ireland, saying that the conditions in Ireland could mean a different approach.

He says it is difficult to play at Lansdowne Road and the conditions will be quite different to Cardiff, where they played under a closed roof at the Millennium Stadium.

The squad has been quick to re-focus after glowing in the aftermath of the 41-3 win over Wales in Cardiff.

The influential UK Sunday papers are gushing in their praise of the All Blacks and, in particular, Daniel Carter.

There are headlines like "Top Gear", "A black day for the Red Dragon" and "Wales scorched on Guy Fawkes" with all the British media giving top ratings to Dan Carter, Rico Gear and Chris Jack.

Henry will name his team to play Ireland on Wednesday but has signalled there will be changes.

He says they gave it some thought before they left for the tour, aware that the weather and ground conditions will be totally different.

One injury concern is lock James Ryan who is being monitored for a knee problem.

The All Blacks have moved into a plush hotel outside the city, which is the same venue where David and Victoria Beckham were married.

There has been scant publicity leading up to the game with sporting talk around the city revolving around Manchester United and Irishman Roy Keane's ongoing battles with Sir Alex Ferguson.

- NEWSTALK ZB