International / Hugh Cahill / 14 November 2008 / Leave a comment

Direct from a five star hotel in Bermuda, Hugh Cahill has found the time and good grace to pen a preview of tomorrow's Guinness International between Ireland and New Zealand at a packed Croke Park. Well, he's got to pay for the flight home somehow...

If we're honest, there's not much Declan Kidney will have learned after last week's game against Canada. Sure, Ireland played some nice rugby at times in horrendous conditions and yes, they started the new era with a resounding 55 - 0 win. But the reality of it is that Canada put up no resistance whatsoever and the home side could have won by almost twice that score. This week's test against the All Blacks is a completely different matter altogether.

Australia have a good philosophy when it comes to tackling New Zealand. They refer to them as just that; New Zealand. Not the mighty All Blacks. Not the Maori army. New Zealand, plain and simple. They don't fear them, nor do they picture them as some sort of unstoppable rugby force. They treat them just the same as any other country. Maybe that's why they have the best record against them of any other team.

Granted, the Wallabies face New Zealand a lot more than sides from the Northern Hemipshere, in the Tri Nations and the Bledisloe Cup, and that has to help break down the mystique of facing the Kiwis. But even still, their approach should be heeded.

Declan Kidney has picked what he must regard as his strongest side for this game. IRB ranking points are very much up for grabs, not to mention the possibility of Ireland's first ever win against New Zealand.

For that reason it comes as no real surprise to see the likes of David Wallace, Rory Best and Girvan Dempsey back in the mix - although Rob Kearney has certainly been making his case for the 15 shirt for some time now.

Alan Quinlan's inclusion at blindside flanker is just reward for a man who has been so unlucky throughout his international career thus far. His physicality, which was a huge part of Munsters Heineken Cup success last season, will be greatly needed and Quinlan, Wallace and Heaslip are going to have to be at their very best to deal with the New Zealand back row - and in particular Richie McCaw.

If Ireland are going to win this game they've got to believe they can do it. Take each player man for man and I don't doubt Ireland can match - or even better - New Zealand in almost every single position. Ronan O'Gara against Dan Carter, Paul O'Connell against Ali Williams, Brian O'Driscoll against Conrad Smith - right across the park they have the strength to go and win this game.

If Kidney can do what he does best and have each player focused on their job, then Ireland are going to give the Kiwi's one hell of a game. A huge part of putting in a great performance is having the mental strength and self belief before you even step on to the pitch. That has been missing in the Ireland camp for quite some time now but if anyone can get it right, it's Declan Kidney.

Obviously there's a reason Ireland have never beaten New Zealand. They are still the powerhouse of world rugby. They don't like to lose and will throw everything at you for 80 plus minutes to make sure that doesn't happen.

New Zealand are not unbeatable though. France have proved it on the biggest stage. I was in Cardiff for their World Cup triumph last year and it was amazing to watch. They strangled them up front and stifled them in the backline. They hounded and dogged them all around the park and point blank refused to let up. Ireland will have to do the same at Croke Park on Saturday. What's more, they must believe they can do it. There's something brewing in the Ireland camp these days - a smile on the player's faces, a confidence in their ability. I believe Ireland can run these guys pretty close, and deep down, I think the players believe it too.

Recommendation: 2 points Ireland +13.5pts to beat New Zealand @ [1.8] on Betfair.