Andy Farrell: Thinking outside the box to see how we can make this tour special

Ireland coach Andy Farrell revealed that former Munster star Rua Tipoki spoke to the Irish squad on Friday to give them an insight into the Maori All Blacks

GETTING TO GRIPS: Ireland’s baggage man John Moran shows some Hurling skills to De La Salle pupils after the training at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on Saturday. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

As a Heineken Cup hero of 2008, Rua Tipoki is as steeped in Irish rugby lore as some of the players he was asked to address last Friday night but the former Munster centre also has deep connections to Ireland’s opening tour opponents in New Zealand this Wednesday.

Tipoki, now 46, was a special guest at the Ireland team hotel in Auckland, invited to share his knowledge and experience as a former captain of the Maori All Blacks, whom Andy Farrell’s side will face in Hamilton to kick off what promises to be the toughest of tough five-game tours.