Caolán Scully

Matt Hanson has ruled out.

So there is an awful lot of injuries there.

But I suppose maybe it's a sad state of affairs, but I'm looking at this three-game window and I'm like, do we really need to go all in on it?

It's like, yes, we could get absolutely troubled in Eden Park.

That's always possible.

That's possible with your first team as well.

We've seen it before.

It's an extra layer of armour for New Zealand when they step onto the Eden Park pitch.

Would I rather see a rotated Ireland take on Australia in the opening game and give them a proper test going into next year?

Yeah, because I still back them to win.

Australia haven't shown that they can beat Ireland in the last couple of years.

Rattle them, yes, but there's a big difference between rattling a team and beating them.

And I think Ireland will be better served by

and giving someone like Andrew Porter, who seems to play 70 minutes a game when he does play, at loose at prop, at his size, give him the summer off.

Give Jack Crowley the summer off.

Give Tyke Byrne the summer off.

These lads are tired.

They went on a Lions tour last year.

I don't think they need this.

And that's not me trying to run away from a fight because, you know, I love a fight with the All Blacks as much as the next guy.