Wynne Gray: Test debut likely for Savea on left wing

Julian Savea was named as a wing in the All Blacks squad playing against Ireland. Photo / Getty Images

In the last two decades, the All Blacks have lost four of their season-opening tests.

They always play these matches at home, but can be a bit disjointed as the coaches cobble together their XV from those who have impressed in the leadup competitions.

Twice the All Blacks have felt the heat from France in 1994 and 2009, England in 2003 while the World XV cruised home 28-14 in 1992.

Now we await Ireland's arrival and an All Black squad which will be trimmed after two training camps to 30 and then to 22 for the June 9 test at Eden Park.

Ireland will be the All Blacks' opening foe for the fourth time in the past seven years, searching for an historic win to usurp the 10-all draw in 1973 as their best result in 24 tests against the All Blacks.

Every year except one since 1992, the All Black selectors have picked players for their starting debut in the initial test of the year. The solitary exception was 2007 when coach Graham Henry and his selectors Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, chose a side against France who had all played test rugby.

This year Hansen and selection colleagues Ian Foster and Grant Fox could take a chance against the Irish who did not fare so well in the Six Nations but can be a gnarly opponent.

A number in the touring squad are playing this weekend in the all-Ireland Heineken Cup final at Twickenham. They will be match-hardened and have not long been away from Irish coach Declan Kidney's control in the Six Nations.

On the evidence of the All Blacks' wider training group, there should be at least one All Black making his test debut against Ireland.

There are 10 named in the squad who have yet to wear the All Black jersey. Only Julian Savea in that group looks primed for an Eden Park start against Ireland on June 9.

He, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui were named as the wings in the squad and with Kahui's career on hold because of a shoulder dislocation, Savea should be a left wing certainty.

Next most favoured to win a start will be Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick who has been in wondrously consistent form.

If he continues to perform and Ali Williams splutters, Retallick should get the nod to link up with Sam Whitelock with Luke Romano watching and learning.

Then it's a lottery. Beauden Barrett will not get past Daniel Carter or Aaron Cruden while Aaron Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have much to do to stay in the squad ahead of Andy Ellis and Piri Weepu.

Sam Cane may be the opensider the selectors see as the nearest model to Richie McCaw, but the skipper will not be giving up his start to the youngster.

Luke Whitelock is not ready for test rugby, Charlie Faumuina is injured and Ben Tameifuna will be soaking up ideas from his seniors.

While the crystal ball suggests Savea as the solitary debutant, that test is still three long weeks away.