Preview: Ireland v New Zealand

Rewind six months and New Zealand would be the nailed-on winner ahead of this mouthwatering clash at Croke Park, but with Ireland's new generation breaking out of their shackles we may have a game on our hands.

Rewind six months and New Zealand would be the nailed-on winner ahead of this mouthwatering clash – but with Ireland's new generation breaking out of their shackles we may have a game on our hands.

Croke Park, the perfect venue for such a clash is expected to be near full capacity on Saturday for the visit of the All Blacks, who began their autumn Grand Slam quest comfortably with a second string line-up dominating 32-6 at Murrayfield last weekend.

Now it's time to make it two wins from two out for the southern nation…yes?

Well maybe not, as a trip across the water is a completely different kettle of Irish Sea fish altogether, which is why Graham Henry makes eleven changes with captain Richie McCaw and pivot Daniel Carter returning in what the Kiwis view as a serious assignment.

So it hopefully will be after a clinical Ireland warmed up soundly against the Canadians with eight tries scored and none conceded – showing it's not just England who are enjoying their new beginning.

But will a lack of serious international roughage diminish Declan Kidney's chances of success?

That has to be the nagging question in the build-up against this daunting opposition who, fresh from a long-winded Tri-Nations trophy triumph and Hong Kong sealer against the Wallabies, surely enter the game in a contrasting physical and mental state.

The hosts' job may also be even become more testing due to the fact that South African Mark Lawrence takes charge with the whistle – an issue looked at every week under the ELV cloud so let's just put the umbrella up on that one.

However, Kidney's selection once again possesses a scent of fearlessness about it and you can be certain that any lack of belief will unquestionably be barred from Irish mindsets.

Positioned behind a very capable front five lie attacking threats from Jamie Heaslip and the brains of a pair of Heineken Cup-winning colleagues, who are to tackle McCaw and company head-on from the flank. The former Munster boss has also brought in the more unflappable figure of half-back Tomas O'Leary behind the pack in place of Eoin Reddan and with Ronan O'Gara marshalling a largely Leinster back-line, there's certainly serious purpose to their cause.

“We have selected a team with a skill-set that gives us the best possible chance on Saturday,” Kidney said.

“Alan Quinlan and David Wallace have a wealth of experience at international and provincial level. Girvan [Dempsey] has been playing very well and we saw him as the best option at full-back.

“New Zealand are the Tiger Woods of world rugby, they're an extremely good side. This is probably the toughest time to play them. They have the objective of winning a Grand Slam tour.

“[However], we have no illusions as to how hard it will be but we want to test ourselves against the best.”

A suitably fair assessment from Kidney of what lies in waiting on the Croke Park turf with Henry's bag of top-of-the-range clubs caddied around the course by Carter's assured game management. Following wonderful displays of defensive rugby at both breakdown and in the tackle in their last three halves of rugby, the All Blacks will be once again looking to keep their whitewash intact.

Ones to watch:

For Ireland: Keeping the Kiwis pinned back from what is seen by many as harm's way is surely Ronan O'Gara's main job this week. Gone are the familiar days of the Munsterman knowing every blade of the Landsdowne Road grass, he is now charged with a new assignment at their temporary home. Can he throw a spanner in New Zealand's Grand Slam-rolling machine?

For New Zealand: In a team that oozes leadership qualities from prop to full-back, it is Wellington centre Conrad Smith whose role with Ma'a Nonu that will be vital to the All Blacks. The man up against Brian O'Driscoll will have a vital role to play with his defensive organisation as he looks to quell the BOD-Luke Fitzgerald threat.

Head-to-head: There are sure to be intriguing battles all over the field on Saturday but attacking threats will hopefully be the evening special with both full-backs waiting to profit. Girvan Dempsey and new father Mils Muliaina have always enjoyed crossing the international whitewash; however, they will also have plenty of work to do under the ELV-induced territorial kicks, so it promises to be a busy 80 minutes for both number fifteens.

Recent results:

2008: New Zealand won 21-11 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
2006: New Zealand won 27-17 at Eden Park, Auckland
2006: New Zealand won 34-23 at Waikato Stadium, Waikato
2005: New Zealand won 45-7 at Landsdowne Road, Dublin
2002: New Zealand won 40-8 at Eden Park, Auckland
2002: New Zealand won 15-6 at Carisbrook, Dunedin
2001: New Zealand won 40-29 at Landsdowne Road, Dublin

Prediction: The All Blacks never cease to amaze with a near-complete game striking fear into all who stand in their way. Yes, home advantage may aid the Irish but it will not be enough to end their barren spell against their visitors – New Zealand to win by seven!

The teams:

Ireland: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Luke Fitzgerald, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 James Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best, 1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Stephen Ferris, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Keith Earls.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Croke Park
Kick-off: 17:15 GMT
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Touch judges: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
Assessor: Steve Hilditch

By Adam Kyriacou