New Zealand's mix of proven quality and youthful exuberance a dangerous cocktail for Ireland 'A'

This is unquestionably a stronger side than the Maoris selection but the days of Irish players puffing out their cheeks and raising their eyebrows in alarm at the sight of a New Zealand teamsheet should be long gone.

QUALITY OPERATOR: Damian McKenzie starts at out-half for the New Zealand XV side. ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

Appetisers don’t come any more appealing than this. The meeting of the reigning world champions and the top-ranked team in the game was always going to dominate the debate this week but the prospect of any game against a side with a silver fern on its chest is never to be overlooked.

This is a first-ever fixture for a New Zealand ‘XV’ side, it’s advent demonstrating that it isn’t just Ireland and Andy Farrell that is looking to do things a bit differently and create the sort of undersoil conditions that should allow more players to prosper further down the line. Maybe even in time for the next World Cup.