Ireland v New Zealand preview

Brian O'Driscoll and Jonny Sexton have been named in Ireland's starting XV to face New Zealand on Sunday.
There were doubts over their fitness all week but Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Sexton has recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained against Australia while treatment to Brian O'Driscoll's calf will enable him to take to the field and equal Ronan O'Gara's record of 128 caps.
Conor Murray has been recalled at scrum-half in place of Eoin Reddan who drops out of the squad all together as Isaac Boss is preferred on the bench.
Gordon D'Arcy will face up against Ma'a Nonu as he comes into the side at inside centre, Ulster's Luke Marshall is a casualty from last week's 32-15 defeat in which Ireland leaked four tries.
Dave Kearney completes the changes to the back line starting on the left wing to win his 2nd cap after two tries on debut against Samoa.
Paul O'Connell will lead the Irish once again in an unchanged forwards pack.
Schmidt said: “I do believe that in any two-horse race there are no certainties. I think it would take an incredible performance, because the All Blacks are proving very resilient, as well as a class side. When they've come under pressure, they've overcome that pressure.
“I think it was highly evident in the last couple of weeks, but also in South Africa in round six of the Rugby Championship. When you're down to 14 men and down by six points, that you can score two converted tries and win by eight.
“We have to have self-belief because I don't think you can win if you don't have self-belief.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand have made seven changes as they look to finish the year undefeated.
Fresh legs come into the front-row with Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore and Charlie Faumuina replacing Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu and Owen Franks who started in the 30-22 scrap against England last week.
In the back five, Brodie Retallick drops to the bench, having played in ten tests in 2013, meaning Luke Romano comes in with Steven Luatua starting on the blindside for Liam Messam.
Centurion Dan Carter's Achilles injury that forced him off early on at Twickenham has resulted in Aaron Cruden being given the reins of the attack.
Out wide, Cory Jane gets the nod over Charles Piutau on the right wing while Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara could make his debut is required from the bench.
Head coach Steve Hansen said: “This test against the Irish is another great opportunity for the team to put in a performance we can all be proud of.
“We love playing in Ireland and have a lot of respect for the Irish. We well remember the second Test against them in Christchurch last year (when the All Blacks won 22-19) and we know that if our minds aren't totally on the job in our preparation this week and in the game on Sunday, then we will suffer.”
Ireland: Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, David Kearney; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Paul O'Connell (Capt.); Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Declan Fitzpatrick, Mike McCarthy, Kevin McLaughlin, Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina; Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock; Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (Capt.), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty.
ADAM ELLIS