The Kiwis face an anxious wait to see if they'll have centre Steve Matai for their next game at the rugby league world cup against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.
Matai was put on report for a high shot on Paul Gallen as the New Zealand side were thrashed by Australia 30 to 6 in Sydney.
Tonight Ireland face the first of two Pacific teams in their World Cup pool in Parramatta.
The Wolfhounds will play Tonga, and their hopes of a win have been boosted with the fact that the eligibility of star duo Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaka is still before the courts.
That decision will be decided in the New South Wales Supreme court today, but even if they are cleared it's unlikely they'll take the field.
Meanwhile, Irish coach Andy Kelly says they know how strong Tonga and Samoa can be and have prepared to counter their strengths.
He says they're looking forward to the challenge.
