If Ireland don't have a big enough task earning a maiden win over the All Blacks on Kiwi soil, the arrival of former coach Joe Schmidt into the New Zealand camp won't make their task easier.
With coach Ian Foster, and assistants John Plumtree and Scott McLeod returning positive COVID-19 tests, Schmidt has been a welcome addition to the All Blacks camp to prepare for their first test of 2022.
Schmidt was supposed to join the All Blacks as a selector after the Ireland series, but will join them early, as an extra pair of eyes for assistant coach Brad Mooar, who's taken charge in Foster's absence.
Ireland won't enjoy his presence before the first test, with Schmidt carrying a deep understanding of the team's culture, which he helped build.
The 56-year-old coached Ireland in 76 tests, winning 55 of them on his way to three Six Nations titles, one Grand Slam and two victories over the All Blacks. Before Schmidt, no Ireland side had beaten New Zealand in more than 100 years of trying.
Current Ireland coach Andy Farrell worked under Schmidt as an assistant, taking the role of head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
And while he insists Schmidt hasn't taken charge of the All Blacks in any capacity, Farrell is certain they will gain a lot from his influence over the coming days.
"I don't know if it's head to head, I'm sure Fozzie [Foster] will be around somewhere," Farrell said. "I think Joe's just there helping out, being an extra pair of hands.
"I'm sure that Joe is just fitting into the system. I'm supposed to be meeting him for a coffee on Thursday, but I don't know whether that's out of the question now or not - we'll soon see.
"What can he bring? He's coming into a system that he probably doesn't know as well.
"It's not his system. I'm sure he's just bringing his one-to-one expertise and giving advice to the coaches.
"That's pretty profound isn't it? I'm sure they'll all try and learn something off him."
Meanwhile, All Blacks captain Sam Cane welcomes Schmidt's arrival into camp, just days before the Eden Park test.
Cane also explained Schmidt's role with the team, deputising for defence coach McLeod.
"How lucky are we to call on someone like Joe Schmidt?" said Cane. "It's been awesome.
"To be honest, he's only been in this morning, and he'll only be in Tuesday and Thursday to help out on the training park.
"He's helping out with defence predominantly, but it's nice to have some wise eyes looking over things."
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