We are about to find out what happens to an Ireland team after they beat the All Blacks.
Ireland waited 111 years to turn over New Zealand. The Kiwis have only had to wait a fortnight for their chance at revenge.
Steve Hansen, who insists his side are underdogs, named an extremely strong All Blacks side to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. We picked out three of their most dangerous players from that starting line-up.
Ben Smith (fullback)
Born: June 1, 1986, Dunedin
Major teams: Bay of Plenty, Highlanders, Otago, New Zealand
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Weight: 205 lb
The All Blacks’ vice captain has 44 caps and has scored 55 points [11 tries] at Test level. Smith has won 53 games for his country, lost four and drawn two. His speed and quick-thinking make him one of the first names on Steve Hansen’s team-sheet. Played outside centre in the 2013 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Lost out in the air to Rob Kearney, in Chicago, but scored a fine try in the right-hand corner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgH1zjcOKAg
Beauden Barrett (flyhalf)
Born: May 27, 1991, New Plymouth
Major teams: Hurricanes, Taranaki, New Zealand
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 200 lb
An excellent player and the most recent recipient of World Rugby Player of the Year. Although Barrett didn’t have a good game against Ireland last time out, he is more than capable of showing just what he’s made of on Saturday. His overall points [225] and Test caps [47] are extremely good considering he’s only 25. Got off an outrageous offload to set up Smith’s try at Soldier Field.
Julian Savea (left wing)
Born: August 7, 1990, Wellington
Major teams: Hurricanes, Wellington, New Zealand
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 227 lb
You couldn’t make any list of All Blacks danger-men, short or long, and leave out the beastly, beautiful Julian Savea. He has scored a total of 225 (45 tries) point just like Barrett. The only one difference is all of Savea’s points have been tries. Not bad going for a 26-year-old. He has played 50 matches for the All Blacks, winning 45 drawing once and ending on the losing side four times. Blazed in a hat-trick on his Test debut… against Ireland.
We’ve been warned.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
