Ireland will be without injured wing Fergus McFadden against the All Blacks, while question marks remain over three other key backs, including fired-up veteran Brian O’Driscoll.
McFadden was one of the better performers in Ireland’s 32-15 loss to the Wallabies last weekend but scans revealing a fractured a bone in his hand mean he won’t face the world champions in Dublin on Sunday.
Three British and Irish Lions – centre O’Driscoll (calf), first five-eighth Jonathan Sexton (hamstring) and fullback Rob Kearney (ribs) – must still their prove their fitness.
Sexton remains the biggest doubt although Irish manager Michael Kearney says scans showed the injury is “less worrying than initially feared”.
O’Driscoll, 34, has been carrying the strained calf for two months but is determined to pursue his first win against New Zealand, having lost 13 previous Tests.
“There are lots of times I haven’t played at 100 per cent and, all going well, I shouldn’t be far off 100 per cent come the weekend,” he said.
Ireland have never beaten New Zealand in 27 Tests and are enormous underdogs but O’Driscoll believes they can ruin spoil the visitors’ undefeated season.
Their motivation will be redeeming the listless display against the Wallabies, who scored four unanswered tries.
“We were poor, that level isn’t acceptable. If we play anything like that level against the All Blacks there is the potential for a cricket score,” he said.
“I think the anger part is anger in ourselves. People will use that as motivation to get it right.”
The 135-Test veteran says anything is possible if the All Blacks have an off day and everything clicks for Ireland under their new Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt.
“I’m an eternal optimist. No one will give us a chance, but that’s okay with us,” he said.
Ireland summoned Darren Cave to cover for O’Driscoll and also brought in Felix Jones for Kearney, who dislocated a rib cartilage against the Wallabies.
Kia_Ora_Kiwi
Guest
The irish coach was right when he said "Anyone can win a 2 horse race." While it is unlikely that the ABs will loose what if Suzy makes the coffee again (re 1995 RWC). Or the ref does a "Wayne Barnes" and only refs one team(2007 RWC)? Look at what the ref did to help Ireland beat Samoa 2 weeks ago. The Irish spent most of the game lying on the Samoan side of the ruck denying them quick ball on attack crippling Samoa's game. Still I guess we wouldn't watch if the results were totally predictable.
Jackster
Guest
Ireland wont beat the abs but good luck with hosting bid Ireland! We pulled it off in NZ so why cant Ireland? Would love to see rwc there where we know the irish people will make the tournament a winner.
richard
Guest
Controlled,focussed anger will help,allied to skill and talent.Unfortunately for Ireland,they don't have enough of the latter to get a win.
Squirrel
Guest
The Irish have no chance. ABs should be$1.03 and Ireland $10 .I still would not bet on Ireland.
Ball Handling Hooker
Roar Rookie
His grip on reality? What professional sportsperson goes out in the days before a game and says "we've got no chance". At least this attitude will keep the scoreboard a little closer than if Ireland go out with a losing attitude.
Ball Handling Hooker
Roar Rookie
It's from LOTR unforunately.
Zarienz
Guest
Go the Irish they'll put up a fight no doubt about it. but GO ABS! The undisputed and undefeated kings of Rugby for 2013.
Zarienz
Guest
Hate that about OZ not televising some of the AB games while on EOYT. Go streaming get back if you want details, send ur email.
kelefua
Guest
Enjoyed watching BOD play & in what could be his swansong I hope he has a good game against ABs. Sure hes come out with some optimistic views on how Ireland can win this week but you'd expect nothing less from the fight in the Irish.
dr katz
Guest
I admire BOD for keeping the faith.... tho his grip on reality is slipping if he thinks Ireland will roll the AB's this weekend. on a side note I was annoyed that I couldn't watch the AB's vs England last week as it was on sentata not fox in australia. Looks like its the same set up this week. bumma.
Jerry
Guest
That's from a deleted scene from Braveheart isn't it?
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Can't say i am worried,,,two gritty wins playing ordinary against England and France , we will win again - just be how good it looks...
Ball Handling Hooker
Roar Rookie
One day we will beat New Zealand. But it is not this day.