Only Ireland stand in the way of a perfect calendar year for the All Blacks, a feat never before accomplished even by some of their legendary teams of the past.

IRELAND vs NEW ZEALAND
Sunday, November 24, 14:00 GMT, Dublin

Simply put, nothing short of a miracle can halt New Zealand’s momentum at this stage. Ireland looked bedraggled and totally out of sorts in defense against Australia, while the All Blacks came through their English challenge relatively unscathed. It will take some effort from the home side just to keep the scoreline respectable, but with the likes of Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll there to inspire, anything can happen.

Ireland have made three changes, all among the backs, from the side that toppled to Australia. Conor Murray returns at scrumhalf in place of Eoin Reddan, and Gordon D’Arcy is summoned to play alongside O’Driscoll in the midfield once more. Fergus McFadden’s unfortunate injury means that Dave Kearney wins his first full cap after a wonderful 20 minute cameo against Samoa two weeks ago.

Steve Hansen’s policy of rotating the non-essentials continues as he makes seven changes to the run-on team. Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, and Charlie Faumuina are the new front row, with Luke Romano starting at lock for the first time since being injured against Argentina in August. Steven Luatua takes over from Liam Messam on the blindside, and Cory Jane replaces Charles Piutau on the right wing. Aaron Cruden continues at flyhalf in place of injured Dan Carter.

There are really few scenarios where Ireland come out on top here. O’Driscoll, Jonny Sexton, and Rob Kearney have all barely managed to beat the fitness test in order to play, and the front row were shown up by the Australians of all teams last week. New Zealand take this one at a canter, ending the contest before the half and icing their cake with a 25 point victory followed by a few pints of Guinness.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistants: Jerome Garces (FFR) & Greg Garner (RFU)
TMO: Graham Hughes (RFU)