Dempsey will be hoping he can get on the scoreboard when Ireland play host to the All Blacks on Saturday © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Girvan Dempsey

Teams: Ireland

Girvan Dempsey is adamant Ireland will not be overawed by Grand Slam-chasing New Zealand in tomorrow's clash at Croke Park.

The All Blacks' second string swept aside Scotland in the opening match of their European tour but have brought their big guns to Dublin. In 21 previous encounters Ireland have never beaten the Tri-Nations champions but Leinster full-back Dempsey is eager to write a cherished footnote in the nation's rugby history.

The last three Tests were conceded by 11 points or less and Ireland were in a position to win each one, convincing Dempsey the All Blacks are vulnerable. "You relish these days and these big occasions, to have the opportunity of creating history and becoming the first Irish side to beat the All Blacks," he said.

"Everyone is really hungry for that and wants to achieve that goal. It's certainly not daunting - we've been down to New Zealand in recent years and went close so we have the belief we can do it. The day that we beat them will come eventually and we want that day to be tomorrow.

"We know that if we perform to the best of our ability and don't have any lapses in concentration or give away silly scores, we will come out on the right side of the result."

Superstar fly-half Dan Carter and openside Richie McCaw, probably the sport's most influential player, have been restored to New Zealand's line-up for tomorrow. But Dempsey is unperturbed by the All Blacks' vast array of talent, insisting Ireland are their equal.

"Dan Carter is an immense footballer. They have a very threatening back-three and also have a very strong back row, with Richie McCaw the stand-out," said Dempsey "All across the team they're very strong but I think we've got the players to match them."

Ireland will be led by Brian O'Driscoll, their most successful captain, for the 50th time tomorrow. Since succeeding Keith Wood in 2003 he has won 67% of his 49 matches in charge, presiding over a glory-laden spell that includes a hat-trick of Triple Crowns.

New Zealand are the only major scalp to elude him and Dempsey has demanded his team-mates give him the perfectly-scripted story to chalk up his half-century. "Beating the All Blacks for the first time on the same day as Brian reaches his 50 Tests as captain would be fairytale stuff," he said. "All the players are aware of the achievement and will do everything they possibly can to ensure it's a special day for him."