 Steve Hansen (left) was previously in charge of Wales |
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen said Ireland may offer even tougher competition than last year's Lions in the two Tests later this month. Hansen said the presence of skipper Brian O'Driscoll and lock Paul O'Connell makes this year's Triple Crown winners formidable opposition.
"They will have a really strong resolve to come out here and perform," said the former Wales coach.
The two Tests take place in Hamilton on 10 June and in Auckland a week later.
Ireland will then face Australia in Perth on 24 June.
New Zealand hammered Ireland 45-7 on their Grand Slam tour of Europe last November but the New Zealand management team believe O'Driscoll's recovery from a shoulder injury picked up early in the 2005 Lions tour could be crucial.
The All Blacks whitewashed the Lions 3-0 in last year's tour.
"He's the best centre in the world I think," added New Zealand's other assistant coach Wayne Smith.
"He made the difference when he came back for Ireland, I think he looks a more well-rounded player.
"He's always been a beast in attack and now he is in defence. He's an extraordinary player and hopefully we'll see the best of him."
Hansen said that the All Blacks would be using the three Tests ahead of the Tri-nations series to improve areas of weakness ahead of the World Cup next year.
"I think it's fair to say we're not there with our mauling with or without the ball. We would like to grow that in these Tests."
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