Combined: Ireland & New Zealand XV
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The All Blacks travel to Dublin this week to face Ireland in a massive clash between number one and two in the World.
With that in mind, we take a look at what a combined Ireland and New Zealand starting line up would potentially look like with only players available this weekend being considered.
1. Cian Healy - Ireland
The Irish veteran beats the All Blacks Breakthrough Player of Year Karl Tuinukuafe for the loosehead prop position. It's worth noting that the All Blacks are without regular starting loosehead Joe Moody who would make it even closer call.
2. Dane Coles - New Zealand
Regarded as one of the finest hookers in the game, Dane Coles has finally returned from injury and could make his second test start of the year this weekend. The Hurricanes captain beats the Irish captain Rory Best to the starting jumper.
3. Tadgh Furlong - Ireland
An exceptionally close call between two of the finest tightheads in the game with Owen Franks narrowly missing out to Furlong. Furlong's recent form gives him the edge over the All Black and is extremely unlucky not to have been nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year.
4. Brodie Retallick - New Zealand
Retallick is easily one of the best players in the world and would walk into in test side's starting line up.
5. Sam Whitelock - New Zealand
The test centurian beats James Ryan to the side with his experience and lineout prowess counting his favour over the young second rower.
6. Peter O'Mahony - Ireland
O'Mahony's lineout and breakdown excellence give him the edge over the All Blacks' workhorse, Liam Squire. The Munsterman was exceptional for the Lions last year and has been vital to Ireland's rise to number two in the World and their Grand Slam Six Nations this year.
7. Ardie Savea - New Zealand
With Sam Cane and Sean O'Brien missing this clash, Savea claims the openside flank. Savea has been exceptional for the All Blacks this year proving that he is more than capable than starting for the All Blacks in the absence of Sam Cane.
The battle between him and Dan Leavy is one of the best head to heads this weekend.
8. Kieran Read - New Zealand
Another tight call between Read and Stander but the All Black captain gets the edge with his experience, leadership and all-round skill set counting in his favour.
Read would also captain the combined side.
9. Aaron Smith - New Zealand
Despite being a bit off form recently, Smith claims the #9 jersey with Conor Murray missing the game through injury. Smith is still regarded as one of the best halfbacks in the game and it is extremely unfortunate that he won't see him face off against Murray this weekend.
10. Johnny Sexton - Ireland
Two of the world's best in Beauden Barrett and Johnny Sexton face off for the #10 jersey. Both players are world class and match winners in their own right with Sexton getting the edge after Ireland's Grand Slam Six Nations.
11. Rieko Ioane - New Zealand
The try-scoring machine has quickly become one of the best wingers in the game and beats Keith Earls to starting winger role.
Ioane is another addition to All Blacks long line of world-class outside backs and considering his hit ratio in test rugby so far he is likely to find his way over the whitewash this weekend.
12. Ryan Crotty - New Zealand
Crotty showed how effective he is for the All Blacks last weekend against England and with Sonny Bill Williams ruled out of the clash against Ireland, Crotty is likely to fill void alongside his clubmate Jack Goodhue.
Bundee Aki is unlucky to miss out to the All Black.
13. Garry Ringrose - Ireland
Garry Ringrose edges the All Blacks rookie Jack Goodhue for the #13 jersey.
Both players are at the start of their test careers making it an extremely tight call but the Irishman just gets the edge.
14. Jacob Stockdale - Ireland
The young Irish flyer features on the right wing in our combined side after a sensational Six Nations campaign, where he set a new try-scoring record in his debut season in the competition.
15. Ben Smith - New Zealand
Smith is arguably the best fullback in the world but features regularly on the right wing with the All Blacks now playing two playmakers in Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. We have selected the All Black outside back at fullback in our combined side.
