Roy Keane set to fire New Zealand ... to beat the Irish in Wellington

Roy Keane has been invited to address the All Blacks before their first match here tomorrow since their calamitous World Cup eight months ago.

The rare privilege extended to the Sunderland boss underlines the impression he has made on the world's most famous rugby team during a week studying their training methods.

Ironically, New Zealand kick off their international season against Keane's Ireland followed by back-to-back Tests against England in the next fortnight.

Look and learn: Keane with All Black coach Henry

Head coach Graham Henry welcomed the Irishman into the All Black camp in response to his request to further his education in management.

Keane has kept a predictably low profile and Henry will treat his involvement with the team as a strictly private matter.

The request to speak to the players, for what one official described as 'a motivational exercise,' followed a lunch Keane had in midweek with All Black captain Richie McCaw, the world's best openside flanker.

'Roy Keane is a superstar in football and it's pretty special to be able to ask someone like him a few questions,' said McCaw.

'Playing for Manchester United is like playing for the All Blacks. There's an awful lot of pride that goes with it.

'Maybe he didn't realise until the last six months when he went somewhere else that it just wasn't the same. Our guys find that. When they give up or move on, they realise all the more what a great privilege it is to play for the All Blacks.

'Henry, in urgent need of a winning start to placate a sceptical public after his controversial re-appointment, has become an instant Keane fan.

'He's been great to talk to and listen to in terms of his experiences,' said Henry.

'Everybody here knows him and respects him for what he has done in sport.'

A lifelong fan of Munster, Keane has left an indelible impression on the Irish players, particularly those from his native province.

Paul O'Connell's similarly hard-edged attitude to winning has given Munster's captain a new nickname, 'Keano,' which will be put to the acid test with Ireland's 21st attempt since 1905 to beat New Zealand for the first time.

Paddy Wallace, confined to one minute's action in the World Cup, makes a rare start for Ireland atinside centre in place of Luke Fitzgerald after the 20-year-old failed a fitness test.

Geordan Murphy, late in joining the squad after appearing for Leicester in last week's losing Grand Final against Wasps, fills the vacancy on the bench.

The International Board has ordered referees and touch judges to join forces before every Test starting tomorrow in cracking down on illegal padding worn by players.

Teams have been warned that any player caught wearing illegal clothing after being told to remove it before the match will be sent off for misconduct.

In addition to the routine dressing- room check on the legality of studs and protective equipment, a second inspection will be made in the tunnel to prevent a repeat of previous cases of players trying to hoodwink officials by changing kit after the first inspection.

Referees are also under orders to be stricter in their enforcement of the law relating to the tackle and ruck.