Daunting task for new-look Ireland to prevent Maori mauling

WITH their backs against the wall in the Maori’s backyard, Ireland will look to restore some semblance of pride in Rotorua tomorrow morning.

They better have learned fast.

Of the combinations in Declan Kidney’s starting XV for the clash at the Rotorua International Stadium (8.35am Irish time), only the half backs have ever played together in an Ireland shirt before.

The front, second and back row, the midfield partnership and the back three respectively have never worked alongside one another in the international game.

If they are to stop the rot and not extend Ireland’s losing streak to four games – two Tests – with the Wallabies around the corner, they will have to hit the ground running.

The tie is certain to be open, Kidney has admitted that part of the aim of this tour was to expose Ireland to the new laws designed to speed up the game and eradicate the kicking-heavy contests that marked the 2007 World Cup.

They were exposed to that last Saturday night, cruelly so, as the All-Blacks ran in nine tries and a record 66 points. A sharp reduction in the number of missed tackles – Ireland had over 20 last time out – is imperative if things are going to be turned around.

“The good thing is that the vast majority of it is within our own control and if that’s the case, then it behoves us to try and work on it,” said Kidney.

“If you looked at the video (of the 66-28 defeat) and said “we can do nothing about that’, then you’d be in a really bad place but I believe 90% of it is in our own control.”

Kidney will also be banking on the added motivation of Test spots on the line ahead of the tour finale in Brisbane next week. Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan, skipper Geordan Murphy and the two locks – Ed O’Donoghue and Dan Tuohy – in particular have reason to raise their game.

The Maori coach, for one, is expecting a stirring response from Ireland. Jamie Joseph, a ferocious flanker who won 20 All Black caps in the early 90s, said yesterday that his side are preparing themselves for a marker to be laid down by the wounded visitors.

“I would be hurting after that, and usually when teams are hurting, it brings the best out of them. The boys will have to play well if they’re going to win,” said Joseph, who yesterday named a side not short on experience.

His starting XV has a spine of five All Blacks with gifted centre Luke McAlister to the fore.

Hooker Corey Flynn – who played in a World Cup for the All-Blacks – will lead a new look front row who were given a tough time of it last weekend against the NZ Barbarians.

“I’m expecting a physical game,” said young tight head Ben Afeaki. “Ireland’s set piece will be good and they’ll have a lot of heart.

“They’ll have something to prove and they’ll be up for it.”