13 Nov 2008

Howlett says Ireland can test All Blacks

7:34 am on 13 November 2008

The Munster star and former All Blacks winger Doug Howlett believes New Zealand could be in for a tough Test when his countrymen come up against Ireland at Croke Park on Sunday morning.

Howlett, a Heineken Cup winner with Munster, believes his adopted country could spring an upset if Ireland coach Declan Kidney gets his troops to play to their full potential.

He says he knows in the All Blacks camp there will be a little bit of concern if Ireland turn up to play.

But he says that's the big question - will Ireland turn up?

Howlett, who scored twice for New Zealand on their last Grand Slam tour three years ago, will go up against his former team-mates when the All Blacks face the Irish club outfit Munster next Wednesday at Thomond Park.

The game commemorates the 30th anniversary of Munster's famous 12-0 victory over New Zealand in 1978.