Here is the Ireland team to take on the All Blacks in Dublin this weekend.
Having beaten New Zealand at a neutral venue a fortnight ago, surely Ireland must start as favourites? How do you see the game going?
Ireland:
Rob Kearney
Andrew Trimble
Jared Payne
Robbie Henshaw
Simon Zebo
Johnny Sexton
Conor Murray
Jack McGrath
Rory Best
Tadgh Furlong
Donnacha Ryan
Devin Toner
CJ Stander
Sean O’Brien
Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:
Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh Van Der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Garry Ringrose
Ultan Dillane and Keith Earls were ruled out through injury, but are expected to be fit next week.
Ireland favourites ?? have you seen the AB team ? Ireland were magnificent two weeks ago & deserved the win but I will be surprised if they come within 20 points on Saturday…..
Bit harsh
Sure New Zealand are still the best team in the world with a point to prove and Ireland played well above then usual standard but I think the scorelines will be much closer than 20 points. Remember in 2013 NZ had to nick it at the death so Ireland are proving to be a bit of a bogey team
People say Ireland will lose by 20 + points all the time and it pretty much never happens.
The last 4 games have actually been pretty close (barring one at the end of the NZ tour), a lot closer than people think.
There was the on NZ won 22-19, courtesy of an 80th minute Dan Carter drop goal.
Then a 60-0 hiding.
Then the infamous last gasp victory in Dublin.
And then Chicago.
No more than a 10 point difference and the 25% Irish in me obviously still holds out for a green-shirted win.
Consider the repercussions of that one were it to happen!