All Black at the end of Ireland's tunnel

Low on confidence, out of form and struggling to put a finger on their chosen style of play. Ireland face the game's toughest possible test at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

New Zealand, the world number one, the All Blacks, call them what you will, they are 15 of the most talented rugby footballers on the planet. Ireland, having never beaten them will have to seriously defy the odds and all recent evidence to even get within seven points come the final whistle.

Declan Kidney has retained all the players he could, from the team he put out against South Africa two weeks ago. The only change is the promotion of Ulster's Tom Court, wedging into a tight-head position in place of the injured Tony Buckley.

Margarito bravery not enough against legendary Pacquiao

Following the over-hyped phony war that was the clash of frenemies David Haye and Audley Harrison had lived down to expectations in three rounds early on Saturday night, some real boxers were plying their trade across the Atlantic.

However, Rupert Murdoch's marketing machine did not allow much attention to be thrown towards the WBC Super Welterweight Championship fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.

Ireland make 10 changes for Samoa encounter

Devin Toner will win first cap against Samoa

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made 10 changes from the side that was outfought against South Africa on Saturday.

A late Ronan O'Gara inspired rally helped Ireland to a flattering 21-23 defeat. But the hosts were thoroughly outplayed all over the field, particularly in the set-piece.

To bolster those line out options, Devin Doner will come in for his first cap in place of Mick O'Driscoll. The 6' 10" Leinster forward's performances this season had propelled him into contention, in many peoples eyes, for the opening test of the Guinness series. But he was overlooked in favour of O'Driscoll's experience. Donncha O'Callaghan will partner him as one of only five men to survive the cull.

Ahead of them, it's all change as John Hayes returns to the fold and will win his 103rd cap by replacing Tony Buckley who misses the rest of the month's fixtures with a hip injury. 

Last chance for Ireland to play ‘new’ game

Last week's meeting of Australia and New Zealand, and by extension the entire Tri-Nations, should have had red blooded Irishmen everywhere quaking in their boots.

Rugby has changed, for now there is no point worrying about why or what it will do to the game long term, we can only play the whistle. Since the rule change in this hemisphere it has meant little more than an inflated number of penalties and frustrated tacklers. But down south, aside from the world champion Springboks, it means the style has well and truly been turned on.

That silver fern might as well be a stamp of approval from the gods of running rugby. The All Blacks ran riot, winning every single Tri-nations match including a test in South Africa where Dan Carter kicked the ball only once in open play.

Springboks forced into changes

Jean DeVilliers has been named in a provisional South Africa XV ahead of this weekends first test in the Guinness series.

The former Munster centre had been expected to miss out through injury but is still a slight doubt and must undergo a fitness test on his troublesome groin before the Saturday evening kick off.

Deon Stegman will make his debut in a side which could feature up to nine changes from the team which fell to Australia in their last outing.

Stegmann, 24, comes in for Schalk Burger in the No.6 jersey. Burger suffered a broken rib in the Currie Cup Final and withdrew from the tour party.

The centre pairing has been a worry all week for head coach Peter DeVilliers and if his namesake Jean misses out, the uncapped Patrick Lambie will fill the number 12 shirt.

O'Driscoll fit to play in 'Leinster' backline against Boks.

Ospreys winger Tommy Bowe is the only non-Leinster back named in the Ireland XV to face South Africa this Saturday.

Bowe has been one of his country's star performers since his switch to the Welsh side and his try-scoring prowess makes him an immovable piece of coach Declan Kidney's plans.

His former teammate in the northern province, Paddy Wallace, was another contender to break up the blue dominance behind the scrum. But has lost out to Gordon D'Arcy who will partner Brian O'Driscoll in midfield after the skipper was ruled in to the side after suffering a hamstring injury in the win over Racing Metro.