Munster Rugby secured a 33 – 7 victory over Stade Francais at Thomond Park to get their Investec Champions Cup campaign off to the perfect start.
Former South Africa flanker Schalk Burger believes a few issues have emerged for Ireland recently, but the biggest is that they are yet to find a successor to Peter O'Mahony at blindside flanker.
Beaten by New Zealand in their opening November match, the Irish got their Autumn Nations Series back on track with a 22-19 success versus the Pumas and they have now altered five backs and two forwards for the Aviva Stadium arrival of the Pacific Islanders.
Ireland player ratings: Ireland were once again afflicted by unforced errors in a hard-fought 22-19 win at HQ but there were enough reserves of resolve to save the day from an Argentinian side that came within a whisker of a nicking this one.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has opted for Munster No 10 Jack Crowley to start on Friday against the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium.
The title-winning Guinness Six Nations 2024 skipper with Ireland was a first half casualty in his province’s October 5 URC win over Ospreys in Cork.
The veteran trio has a combined age of 107 yet Andy Farrell wants his on-field ambassadors to stick around.
Caelan Doris has been named Ireland captain for the Autumn Nations Series, taking over from Peter O'Mahony who has also been named in the squad.
The veteran back-rower and tighthead Oli Jager were starters in last Saturday’s rain-sodden win over Ospreys.