Henry hopeful Kiwi gamble will pay off

WHILE no-one is predicting an Ireland win today, All Blacks coach Graham Henry yesterday admitted his experimental selection leaves the tourists vulnerable.

While sprinkled with seasoned stars like Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger, Doug Howlett and, of course, Keven Mealamu, Henry’s selection is manifestly shy on experience in some areas.

Prop John Afoa and lock Jason Eaton slot in for their international debuts while No 8 Mose Tuiali’i, scrum-half Piri Weepu and out-half Nick Evans can muster only 14 caps between them.