Maori hoping to be at full strength against Irish | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

New Zealand Maori assistant rugby coach Daryl Gibson was hopeful they would be able to name their first choice side today to play the Irish in Rotorua on Friday.

Bay of Plenty Steamer's prop Joe Savage was drafted into the Maori squad for training yesterday, providing a "bit of contact and physicality" as the Maori held two sessions, working hard on both their scrum and lineout.

Savage isn't officially in the Centenary squad but said he "loved" the opportunity to be part of the group which had backs Hosea Gear and Robbie Robinson on the training field sideline yesterday due to injury.

Gibson was optimistic both Gear and Robinson would be able to train today and be available for Friday night's match at Rotorua International Stadium.

The former All Black midfielder wasn't taking the bait when asked if the non-selection of regular Irish skipper Brian O'Driscoll indicated the tourists had little regard for the match - the showpiece of Rau Tau: celebrating 100 years of Maori rugby.

"This is the biggest game for the Maori team since 2005 [Lions tour] regardless of who plays in the Irish jersey, we're keen to go out there and show what we can do," Gibson said.

The Crusaders assistant coach viewed the Irish team as equal in strength in both the forwards and backline.

"A little bit of both. Obviously the players they've named in the backline are still very experienced players. They've played extensively in the UK through their club teams ... largely, I think, the team won't change a great deal just the men in the jersey."

"We felt the Irish team played well in parts against the All Blacks.

"Obviously being a man down made it difficult, but they scored some good tries and we've got to respect what they can do with the ball in hand."

Meanwhile, Geordan Murphy will captain Ireland for the first time when he leads out the side for their second match of the tour against the New Zealand Maori team in Rotorua.

In other changes Shane Horgan comes into the side on the right wing alongside Gavin Duffy, Paddy Wallace, Johne Murphy, all of whom were involved in the game against the Barbarians at the start of the tour. Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan will form the halfback partnership.

There is a new front row combination with Marcus Horan and Tom Court on either side of John Fogarty, who won his first cap against New Zealand last Saturday. Another debutant from that game, Dan Touhy, will start this game alongside Ed O'Donoghue in the second row.

The newly arrived Rhys Ruddock will get his first senior start for Ireland in the back row alongside Niall Ronan and another uncapped player, Chris Henry.

• Ireland XV: Geordan Murphy (c), Shane Horgan, Gavin Duffy, Paddy Wallace, Johne Murphy, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan, Marcus Horan, John Fogarty, Tom Court, Ed O'Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Rhys Ruddock, Niall Ronan, Chris Henry. Reserves: Sean Cronin, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, David Wallace, Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Rob Kearney.