Alan Quinlan playing for Munster. Photo / Reuters
Ireland loose forwards David Wallace and Alan Quinlan feel a "new-look" New Zealand remain a tough challenge to overcome when the teams meet in a one-off rugby test in Wellington on Saturday.
The All Blacks have a fresh look after coach Graham Henry unveiled his squad yesterday with
six new faces and four recalled players in Blues prop John Afoa, Crusaders lock Brad Thorn, Blues flanker Jerome Kaino and Hurricanes utility back Ma'a Nonu.
However, Munster teammates Wallace, with 44 caps, and Quinlan, with 25, agree that the possibility of ambushing a soul-searching All Blacks side in the process of rebuilding after exiting in the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup are almost non-existent.
"New Zealand are very good. It's a breeding ground for rugby players - they seem to always have a strong team because of their strength and depth," openside flanker Wallace, who plays for Munster, said.
"It's always very difficult to beat them, of course we never have.
"The guys who've come in are probably just as good (as the players they replace) and probably hungrier, so I don't think it's going to be any less intimidating."
Quinlan said: "I know there are a few changes in the All Black squad. But certainly there's a lot of strength and depth in New Zealand rugby, everybody knows that.
"So, it's a challenge we're looking forward to."
Wallace felt Ireland needed to have a good night and really play out of their skins to beat New Zealand on Saturday night.
Quinlan said a few years ago Ireland didn't have belief in themselves to win against teams like the All Blacks.
But they had now experienced a change in their mentality.
"There's a confidence and a belief within Irish players that if we play to our potential we certainly have a good chance.
"It's always a hard game and certainly the All Blacks will always be favourites when they play Ireland but we play every game to win and Saturday will be no different.
"You need a lot of luck when you play New Zealand, especially away from home and as a team we need a lot of things to go our way.
- NZPA
View photos of the squad
Watch Video: All Blacks squad announcement