Foley follows in dad's footsteps

Irish No 8 Anthony Foley will follow in his father's footsteps when he lines up against the New Zealand Divisional XV in Timaru today.

In 1976 his father, Brendan, played against South Canterbury.

Even greater deeds were in store for the elder Foley. On October 31, 1978, he was one of the Munster team who beat the All Blacks 12-0 at Thomond Park, Limerick.

Brendan Foley played for Ireland between 1976 and 1981. Anthony, first capped in 1995 but a regular since 2000, has played 31 tests.

"My father will talk about the Munster win if you ask him," he said. "He is proud of his achievements."

Foley sen will be in Dunedin next week to watch the first of the two All Black-Ireland tests.

At the time of the Munster match, Anthony was five and his mother would not let him go to the game.

"I've always given her a hard time about that," he said.

"I'm one of the few who admits to not being there."

Foley said confidence was high in the Irish camp going into the opening game of the three-match tour.

"It is great to tour here, a whole new experience to international rugby. We have 14 tests next season so there will be a lot of players used."

He said the tour was an ideal opportunity for Ireland to test their character in New Zealand.

Foley has toured here twice before, in 1992 with the Irish schoolboys and in 1997 with the Irish Development team.

The Irish side will be led by outstanding hooker Keith Wood, and a smattering of experienced players has been mixed in with some of the younger talent.

Divisional XV coach Noel McQuilken has named an experienced side.After losing their opening shakedown by two points against what was essentially the first division Bay of Plenty line-up, the Divisional XV fought back to snatch a 35-35 draw in injury time against Italy at Taupo last Sunday.

McQuilken knows that his side need to improve on that effort to upset the Irish.

But he is well qualified to assess what is required, having been a coach previously in Ireland himself.

The Divisional XV boasts some hard-headed campaigners up front, including hooker Paul Mitchell, a former Super 12 player, and No 8 Mutu Ngarimu, who has appeared for New Zealand Maori.

East Coast lock Kele Leawere made a huge impression last weekend against Italy.

Veteran inside backs Lee Peina and Mano Flutey will spearhead the backline, although much will be expected of exciting young fullback Tim Manawatu. The former Buller representative, who now plays for Hawkes Bay, provided some quality touches in the clash with Italy.

fusixpointDivisional XV: Tim Manawatu (Hawkes Bay), Michael Pettman (Manawatu), Sam Leung-Wai (Hawkes Bay), Matt Harvey (Manawatu), Pila Fifita (North Otago), Mano Flutey (East Coast), Lee Peina (capt, King Country), Mutu Ngarimu (Hawkes Bay), Aaron Griffith (Nelson Bays), Daniel Quate (Hawkes Bay), Kele Leawere (East Coast), Matt Porter (Marlborough), Peter Bielski (Hawkes Bay), Paul Mitchell (King Country), Clint Newland (Hawkes Bay). Reserves: Derek Leefe (East Coast), Jeremy Hapeta (Manawatu), Kahu Marfell (Nelson Bays), Simon McKearney (Thames Valley), Quintyn Austin (Manawatu), Joe Faa'iu (Nelson Bays), Dwayne Kemp (Wanganui) or Pehi Te Whare (King Country).

Ireland: Girvan Dempsey, Justin Bishop, Brian O'Driscoll, Tyrone Howe, Mel Deane, David Humpreys, Guy Easterby, Anthony Foley, Keith Gleeson, Paul O'Connell, Gary Longwell, Alan Quinlan, John Hayes, Keith Wood (capt), Reggie Corrigan.

- NZPA