Having taken care of Scotland with an experimental line-up, New Zealand coach Graham Henry today showed Ireland total respect by naming a full-strength side for Saturday’s rugby union international at Croke Park.
Having easily protected one unbeaten Test record with a largely inexperienced starting 15 at Murrayfield, Henry named his strongest line-up for the historic first meeting at the home of Gaelic football.
Only four All Blacks that started against Scotland – Joe Rokocoko, Ma’a Nonu, Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu – will back up this weekend.
After beating Scotland 32-6, the All Blacks will strive to protect another unbeaten streak against Ireland ranging back to the 1905 Originals’ tour.
After also playing in the Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia at the starte of the tour, Williams and Mealamu are now on Henry’s prescribed three-Test playing limit – though a dispensation may be made for duo given they have not played the full 80 minutes in either match.
The starting 15 offered little scope for debate, except at centre where Conrad Smith was given the job ahead of the in-form Richard Kahui.
Mils Muliaina, his parental leave expired, predictably reclaims the fullback berth from solid stand-in Isaia Toeava.
Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu have an opportunity to find form in tandem after being teamed together for the first time since the World Cup quarter-final loss to France.
The established backrow combination of Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw and Jerome Kaino is entrenched.
Kieran Read’s addition to the bench after a strong debut against the Scots suggested he may have supplanted Adam Thomson as cover for all three loose forward positions.
The starting front row is also set in stone with loosehead prop Tony Woodcock’s return a formality after a week resting his chronic foot injury.
Muliaina is the only player lacking recent match play, though the coaches clearly believe their most experienced back has amassed enough knowledge over 65 Tests to slot straight back in.
He has played only a provincial game and half a trial match since the Tri-Nations title and Bledisloe Cup were retained in Brisbane on September 13.
Muliaina rated the Irish a far tougher impediment to the Grand Slam than the gallant though limited Scots.
The last three matches between New Zealand and Ireland have been relatively close, the All Blacks winning 34-23 and 27-17 at home in 2006, then 21-11 in hypothermic conditions in Wellington on June 7.
“It was pretty close when they came over,” Muliaina said.
“It’ll probably be similar conditions this weekend.”
ALL BLACKS TEAM
Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
A hat-trick to Desiree Miller and a double to her wing partner Maya Stewart has seen the Waratahs deny the Fijiana Drua a three-peat,…
After being yellow-carded by referee Karl Dickson in the first half, the official looked to be reaching for his pocket when Danny Care contentiously…
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is trying to promote rugby in Queensland and bring crowds back to Reds games.
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
