Every year except one since 1992, the All Black selectors have picked players for their starting debut in the initial test of the year. The solitary exception was 2007 when coach Graham Henry and his selectors Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, chose a side against France who had all played test rugby.
This year Hansen and selection colleagues Ian Foster and Grant Fox could take a chance against the Irish who did not fare so well in the Six Nations but can be a gnarly opponent.
A number in the touring squad are playing this weekend in the all-Ireland Heineken Cup final at Twickenham. They will be match-hardened and have not long been away from Irish coach Declan Kidney's control in the Six Nations.
On the evidence of the All Blacks' wider training group, there should be at least one All Black making his test debut against Ireland.
There are 10 named in the squad who have yet to wear the All Black jersey. Only Julian Savea in that group looks primed for an Eden Park start against Ireland on June 9.
He, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui were named as the wings in the squad and with Kahui's career on hold because of a shoulder dislocation, Savea should be a left wing certainty.
Next most favoured to win a start will be Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick who has been in wondrously consistent form.
If he continues to perform and Ali Williams splutters, Retallick should get the nod to link up with Sam Whitelock with Luke Romano watching and learning.
Then it's a lottery. Beauden Barrett will not get past Daniel Carter or Aaron Cruden while Aaron Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have much to do to stay in the squad ahead of Andy Ellis and Piri Weepu.
Sam Cane may be the opensider the selectors see as the nearest model to Richie McCaw, but the skipper will not be giving up his start to the youngster.
Luke Whitelock is not ready for test rugby, Charlie Faumuina is injured and Ben Tameifuna will be soaking up ideas from his seniors.
While the crystal ball suggests Savea as the solitary debutant, that test is still three long weeks away.
