All Blacks favourites for the Tri Nations?

[Big Bets]

The first All Blacks team of the year was selected earlier this week for their first domestic test against Ireland, and for the first time in a long time their team doesn't look overly formidable.

With so many quality players choosing to increase their earnings in the UK after last years World Cup, the depth of playing talent was always going to be affected in the Shaky Isles.

Sure, they still have Dan Carter and Richie McCaw to grab the lions share of possession and play in good territory, but there are some areas which the Australians and South Africans will be targeting this year:

1. The front row.
The AB's have named Tialata, Hore and Afoa as their starting front row for this weeks match against Ireland. No Woodcock or Hayman this year will leave this new look front row facing real pressure.

2. Centres.
Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu are given first crack at 12 and 13. Not the most mobile or threatening of centres.

Bookies have the AB's installed as $1.65 favourites to win the comp, with the Wallabies at $3.75 and the Saffies at $4.75.

The AB's are well under the odds and the other two teams look like good value bets..

[AJ]

Agreed, it's the weakest ABs team for a decade and at these prices must be opposed.

Robbie Deans Wallabies for me are the team to watch

I may actually back Ireland on the handicap on Saturday night for the match in Wellington

[Big Bets]

Good luck with that bet AJ.

Traditionally touring northern hemisphere teams struggle at the end of a long season coming over here and performing at their best.

This Irish team is a better team than the Poms are sending out to NZ, and while the AB's don't look great on paper, I think Graham Henry will have them on song for their first test of the season.