Donal Lenihan on Tour: A seminal moment in Irish rugby history awaits

With Tadhg Beirne short of game time and Iain Henderson out of commission, the time has come for James Ryan to lead the charge against the massively experienced All Black locking partnership of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick

COMETH THE HOUR: Ireland's James Ryan is tackled by Sam Whitelock during the Autumn Series in Dublin. The pair will renew hostilities on Saturday.

Current state of play

There’s something very strange afoot here in Auckland at present with a picture being painted, both in media circles and amongst the general public, that their beloved All Blacks are vulnerable and in a state of flux.