New Zealand exerted the 'Aviva squeeze' on an Irish team which looks to have lost its innovative lustre.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named his team for the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6 match against Cardiff on Saturday - with no sign of hooker Rob Herring in the squad.
The veteran trio has a combined age of 107 yet Andy Farrell wants his on-field ambassadors to stick around.
The former Ireland backrow hopes to use his experience to help guide the next generation and learn from his mistakes
Olympian Zac Ward is set to start on the wing for Emerging Ireland on Wednesday against the Pumas in Bloemfontein.
Emerging Ireland have been dealt another injury blow with Connacht prop Jordan Duggan being replaced by Leinster's Alex Usanov the day before the squad embark for South Africa.
The tour head coach had last week unveiled his original selection to travel to Bloemfontein for the October matches versus the Pumas, Western Force and the Cheetahs, but injuries have led to a rejig before the group assembles in Dublin on Wednesday.
The charismatic Munsterman has the Dubliners in his sights and the mind games have begun
Leinster has confirmed its lineup for the upcoming Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, with Harry Byrne winning the race for the pivotal flyhalf position.
Former Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy, the ex-Leicester director of rugby, popped his head back above the parapet in November when he helped to coach the Barbarians team that took on Northampton in a Franklin’s Gardens exhibition match.