Ireland coach Declan Kidney has praised the way John Muldoon and Sean Cronin have come through to take their place in the side to play New Zealand.

Kidney said that he is not surprised by the emergence of the Connacht player and he is confident they will do well against the All-Blacks.

"They have played in the Churchill Cup and been with the senior squad so it is no surprise that they have come through.

"We are really looking forward to seeing them play," said the Irish coach ahead of Saturday's showdown with the All-Blacks in New Plymouth.