Rugby: Ireland to continue role as All Blacks' pests

Ireland have run the All Blacks close in their last three tests. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Having quietly prepared in Auckland, Ireland slip into enemy territory today hoping to win friends ahead of next year's rugby World Cup and give the All Blacks another close-run test.

Brian O'Driscoll's side haven't beaten the All Blacks in 105 years and 22 tests, a 10-10 draw in 1973 their best effort. But they've run them close in their most recent three tests in New Zealand: 21-11 on an arctic Wellington night in 2008, 27-17 in Auckland and 34-23 in Hamilton, both in 2006.

Irish supporters in New Zealand might be tempted by a juicy $6.50 on offer for their team from bookmakers, with the hosts prohibitive $1.09 favourites to make a flying start to their test season.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, having asked his fellow New Zealanders to "move on" from English referee Wayne Barnes' presence at Yarrow Stadium, is more concerned with Ireland's recent nuisance value.

McCaw played the first of his 80 tests against Ireland at Lansdowne Rd in 2001 as the All Blacks snuck an 11-point victory.

"This next couple of weeks for us will be interesting. We haven't played Ireland for a couple of years but after we played them in 2008 I think they've only lost one test," McCaw said.

"They've had a pretty settled team and that suggests it's a bit of a challenge. Same with Wales and England coming over, we'll get a good view of actually where everyone is at.

"I'm sure the three teams coming here will want to perform and they'll be looking to a year's time when they're back again."

The tourists, who only arrived in New Zealand on Sunday, made 10 changes to the starting 15 that began the 29-23 defeat to the Barbarians in Limerick at the weekend, with the inclusion of O'Driscoll among them.

Also back is another centurion in prop John Hayes, who will be making his 103rd test appearance, while 98-test first five-eighth Ronan O'Gara will pull the strings.

Elsewhere in the pack, lock Mick O'Driscoll, flanker John Muldoon and hooker Sean Cronin, the latter two with just two caps each, will fill in for three players not on tour because of injury - Lions skipper Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris and Rory Best.

McCaw was wary of his opposite number David Wallace and impressive ball-carrying No 8 Jamie Heaslip.

"I'm quite impressed by Ireland, they're pretty physical and the No 8 is a very talented player, he's got the ability with the ball in hand off the back of the scrum.

"Wallace is an experienced player too and they work pretty well together. But their effectiveness is determined by the front five so that's going to be a pretty good battle."

The All Blacks appeared quietly confident their forwards, including five Crusaders with the Franks brothers Ben and Owen at the forefront, could nullify the tourists.

"The pack played a fair bit of test rugby together last year so this week's been about making sure we gel together again," McCaw said.

"It feels like we've had more time than we have in the past. Most of the guys are back from last year and that probably helps."

- NZPA