New Zealand expect tougher contest against Ireland

HALFWAY through his team’s bid to complete another Grand Slam tour Graham Henry is anticipating a much tougher examination next weekend than the All Blacks were subjected to at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The world’s leading side was expected to be tested by a resurgent Scotland team that was unbeaten in four matches but swept them aside 49-3, scoring seven tries to nil.

However, Henry felt there were mitigating factors and immediately warned his men to be on their guard against an Ireland side that scrambled past Samoa to win its first match in five.