Clarke, though, with his experience – and as the All Blacks’ best back three aerial exponent – is likely to have the inside running to recapture the No 11 jersey.
Josh Moorby was impressive off the bench in his All Blacks debut. Photo / Photosport
While he is highly unlikely to be thrust straight into this week’s squad, Ioane rejoining the All Blacks is timely after he returned from a six-month stint with Irish powerhouses Leinster – the province who have long provided the backbone to their national team.
Last year, Jordie Barrett excelled in his trailblazing sabbatical at Leinster, too.
As they devise plans to combat Andy Farrell’s Ireland in the biggest test of Rennie’s budding tenure, why would the All Blacks not tap into Ioane and Barrett’s inside oil on combinations and tendencies?
“We had a leaders meeting last night and did get him [Barrett] to confirm some of our thoughts,” Rennie said.
Jordie Barrett spent a season with Irish club Leinster before returning to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Photo / Anna Heath
“A lot of our guys have played the Irish a lot. They know a lot about them. The boys watch a lot more Northern Hemisphere footy than they might’ve half a dozen years ago.
“The Irish have commanded a lot of respect through what they’ve achieved. We know what’s coming, and we’ll have to be very good in a lot of areas.
“They’re a quality side. They’ve got a lot of strong connections, a lot of guys who play an enormous amount of footy together over the last few years and they’re very well coached so they’ll be well prepared.
“Their forwards have got a good short passing game. They’ll ask lots of questions of us there, and at set piece.”
Rennie delivered a positive prognosis for loose forward Luke Jacobson – after he did not return for the second half against Italy due to calf issues – and experienced Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who is yet to feature in this year’s first two tests.
Jacobson, as one of the All Blacks’ best performers against France and Italy, is likely to retain the openside flanker duties, while Tuipulotu could add significant impact to the bench brigade.
Much has changed since Ireland’s last venture here four years ago when they captured their first series success on New Zealand soil.
Ian Foster and Scott Robertson have come and gone as All Blacks head coaches to hand the mantle to Rennie.
Jonathan Sexton continues to leave an irreplaceable hole as Ireland’s backline director. Chief protagonist Peter O’Mahony has retired, and James Lowe’s departure to Japan rules him ineligible for test selection.
The All Blacks have seemingly turned the tide on their great modern rivalry with Ireland in that time, too, by claiming the last three victories.
The All Blacks have won their last three tests against Ireland. Photo / Photosport
Yet those involved in that horror 2022 home series won’t need reminding of the need to preserve Eden Park’s 32-year unbeaten status this weekend.
“No doubt that will come up,” Rennie said of Ireland’s last New Zealand tour.
“There’s a healthy amount of respect for the Irish. They’ll come in genuinely believing they can beat us. There’s no doubt this game will be massive for them.
“Eden Park has been a fortress but what’s happened in the past counts for little.”
The ball retention, attack-first mentality Rennie has instigated since assuming charge could be refined somewhat this week, as the All Blacks attempt to strike a better balance after battling to break down the resolute Italian defence, before adjustments were made in the second half.
The All Blacks kicked four times in last week’s first half and made their most passes (312) in the past 15 years against Italy.
More variety will be needed to manipulate Ireland’s defensive system.
“We probably overplayed in that first bracket and ended up turning it over and got punished,” Rennie noted.
“There were opportunities to kick and apply pressure. We’ve discussed that, but if it’s on we’re going to play.
“Ideally we’re kicking on the front foot and maybe in the wide channels where we can find grass and then get a set piece down there or get a counter-attack opportunity.
“There’s got to be balance. Ireland are a very good defensive side.
“They’re going to kick a lot of ball and try to apply pressure through that. We’ll get excited about it and work hard for opportunities but we’re going to have to balance our game out.”
Liam Napier is a senior sports journalist and rugby correspondent for the NZ Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.