Will captain Doris steer Ireland to victory?

The Irish rugby team faces a familiar foe this Friday evening. This year's edition of the Autumn Internationals kicks off with the ultimate test. Headcoach Andy Farrell and his men will once again lock horns with New Zealand. While it is always a massive challenge, the current All Blacks seem to be in transition. Recent performances suggest, they are rather a wounded animal instead of an all-conquering, irresistible force: Both matches in the Rugby Championship against current back-to-back World champions South Africa this summer were lost, as well as a home match against Argentina. And just last weekend, a rejuvenated England showed to the world, that this New Zealand team is not on the same swagger level that we were used to in Dan Carter's  time. 

READ: Mayo man instrumental to Irish rugby season

But Ireland will be warned. There was similar talk ahead of last year's World Cup quarter-final and the men in black gave the adequate response on the pitch, ending Ireland's dream of finally making it to a World Cup semi-final. On any given day, the All Blacks can still pull several rabbits out of the hat. Again refer back to last Saturday, when Mark Tele'a danced to a late try in the corner and Damian McKenzie scoring the most difficult conversion to deny a pumped up England side a famous win.

It's going to be a huge occasion for Lacken man Caelan Doris. He is going to start the match as Ireland captain. At a young age of 26, the back row powerhouse seems to be reaching the pinnacle of his career, even tipped by many to be next year's captain of the British and Irish Lions. Doris is Mr Reliable for Andy Farrell, hasn't missed a match in what seems an eternity. 

Doris joined by fellow Mayo man Heffernan

Doris will be instrumental in Ireland's plan to starve the All Blacks of quality possession, disrupting rucks, marshalling the troops in the scrum, and carrying the ball over the gain line to give Ireland a solid platform in attack. Presumably experienced legs will be provided off the bench from another Mayo man: Hooker Dave Heffernan is the great beneficiary of injury worries in that position, getting the call up for the Autumn Internationals on the back of brilliant performances in the season for Connacht so far.

For more than a 100 years, Ireland could not beat the All Blacks. But during the last years, since Ireland first ever beat New Zealand in 2016, a fascinating rivalry has developed between the two teams, that ebbed and flowed. Ireland's 2-1 series win in New Zealand was an historic landmark achievement. Doris, Heffernan and the whole Irish squad will seek to draw energy from the positive results in recent years. 

The atmosphere on home soil on Friday night might raise Irish spirits and give players an extra kick of adrenaline to pull off another match to remember. It will be a cracker. And a Mayo man leading the men in green onto the pitch will be revered especially in Caelan Doris' and Dave Heffernan's home club Ballina, where the clubhouse will be packed with friends, former teammates and relatives. No matter the outcome after 80 minutes, a sense of pride will prevail.