THE SETTING WAS the Irish team hotel in Christchurch as coach Declan Kidney and captain Brian O’Driscoll fielded questions after the team for the second Test against New Zealand was announced.

O’Driscoll took questions about the 2005 Lions tour – he injured his shoulder in Christchurch – and Ireland’s losing run against the All Blacks in the best humour possible.

“Time heals all wounds,” he remarked, “even shoulder wounds.”

Amidst the talk of returns for Andrew Trimble and Gordon D’Arcy, and the debate over scrum-half, we put the questions of TheScore.ie and our readers to the two main men.

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Declan Kidney:

We took a heavy hit on Saturday night but we are long enough in it to know that if we get our parts right then the (gap) closes up quite considerably.

It is all about us getting things right and that is what we are focusing on.”

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Declan Kidney:

We would never really think of it like (provinces). We wouldn’t care where they were from.

In reference to Leinster, Eoin is training well. We’ve talked to him and he is unlucky not to start this weekend.”

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Brian O’Driscoll:

I don’t think so. Every time you pull on a Test jersey, irrespective of what country you play for, you do so with a lot of pride.

We are not playing for second best this weekend. We are playing to win.”

Kevin McLaughlin:

The Super 15 is a lot different to the RaboDirect – it is a lot faster.

The Kiwis just ran from everywhere, especially when we kicked loose a few times. We just need to be a lot tighter in our defence this time.”

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Declan Kidney:

For a long time, New Zealand has had a very strong domestic competition. With the Super Rugby now, you have five quality teams and five players to choose from in each position.

That level of competition is only add to the melting pot when it comes to selection and players for the Test team.”

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Declan Kidney:

I think there is even more to come from Conor (Murray) so, for that reason, I’m giving him the nod again to show what he can do.

I think I remember one loose (kick) but he wasn’t the only one to kick the ball, once, loose. I think a try came from it. It wasn’t altogether his fault and there is the collective to consider too.”

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*You can follow all the latest news, comments and goings on from the Irish camp by following @patmccarry on Twitter and by regularly checking in with TheScore.ie.

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