The Ireland team to face New Zealand is set to be announced later tonight, but in the mean time Joe Schmidt's men will know what they are up against as the All Blacks team for Saturday's test match in Chicago has been named.
It's a very stong team, but let's be honest, it was always going to be.
The inclusion of Jerome Kaino in the second row and George Moala at centre will come as a surprise, but it's clear that Ireland will have to be at their best to get a result.
Here's the team in full, the bracketed number are their New Zealand caps via AllBlacks.com:
1. Joe Moody (20)
2. Dane Coles (46)
3. Owen Franks (87)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (10)
5. Jerome Kaino (75)
6. Liam Squire (6)
7. Sam Cane (37)
8. Kieran Read - captain (94)
9. Aaron Smith (54)
10. Beauden Barrett (46)
11. Julian Savea (49)
12. Ryan Crotty (24)
13. George Moala (3)
14. Waisake Naholo (8)
15. Ben Smith (58)16. Codie Taylor (11)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (2)
18. Charlie Faumuina (42)
19. Scott Barrett *
20. Ardie Savea (9)
21. TJ Perenara (26)
22. Aaron Cruden (43)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (20)
As we mentioned above, Schmidt's team will be revealed tonight, so be sure to keep an eye out for when it is announced.
The Ireland players have been relaxing in Chicago having travelled over on this week, and will have no doubt enjoyed seeing the Chicago Cubs win their first world series in 108 years on Wednesday night, but with the teams named it's time to get down to business.
The match kicks off at 8pm on Saturday, and will be available to watch on Eir Sport.
[via AllBlacks.com]
