Irishmen expect a battle against Divisional XV

Ireland yesterday named a young team mixed with experienced players in key positions for the opening game of their New Zealand tour at the weekend.

The tourists, who will play two tests against the All Blacks, in Dunedin on June 15 and in Auckland a week later, meet the New Zealand Divisional XV in Timaru on Saturday.

The Divisional players were selected from the NPC second and third divisions.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has selected seven players who started against France in their last Six Nations match.

Both Irish and Lions stars, hooker Keith Wood and centre Brian O'Driscoll, are in the side.

Other key players are Girvan Dempsey at fullback, David Humphreys at first five-eighths and Anthony Foley at No 8.

O'Sullivan will name his bench players today, but his balancing act with his first selection on the tour underscores his intention to build a far larger pool of test players.

"We have a number of players who have not had much rugby and they are anxious to get a game," he said.

"Others are resting as we try some combinations."

O'Sullivan said Ireland had a long list of injuries and this tour presented new players with opportunities.

"There are a few players who didn't expect to be on the tour.

"But with 14 tests next season we will need to have some depth in the squad and this tour is a great chance for that."

O'Sullivan said the Irish team were bracing themselves for an onslaught from Divisional players keen on proving they were worthy of higher honours.

"We expect thunder and fire from these Divisional players on Saturday.

"We saw their game against Italy. They went well and perhaps could have won it."

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