Blacks bring out the big guns

THE last time the All Blacks came to Dublin they made an historic 15 changes from the starting XV that hammered Wales the week before and yet still ended up finishing 45-7 winners with a virtual second string selection.

It was an astonishing affirmation of the nation’s strength in depth, even if it came at a time when Ireland were without the services of Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell, and in something of a mini-transitional phase.

Another game of musical chairs is expected at lunchtime today when Graham Henry names the starting line-up to take on Declan Kidney’s side at Croke Park on Saturday — but there are some key differences to events from three years ago.