'All guns blazing' for Ireland

Ireland lock Dan Tuohy insists that his team will end their tour of New Zealand 'with all guns blazing' in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Irish came agonisingly close to securing their first victory over the All Blacks last week, before a last-gasp drop-goal from Dan Carter broke their hearts and sealed the series victory for the world champions.

Tuohy said that despite the intense disappointment of coming up short after such a stirring performance, the Irish are determined to prove that this side has what it takes to finally register Ireland's first Test victory over the All Blacks when they run out in Hamilton this weekend.

He told allblacks.com: "From myself and the other lads, there is more to come. We will be looking to go out on Saturday with all guns blazing."

The big lock said that although Ireland played well in Christchurch last week, they believe that they can improve and they are aiming to come away from the tour with a victory to show for their efforts.

"I certainly don't think that was the best we could play. There were a lot of mistakes and stuff we left out there on the pitch.

"We've worked really hard as a group and we don't want to finish the season coming off the back of three defeats. We are desperate to right the wrongs of the last couple of weeks.

"It would be great to get that elusive win against the All Blacks so I don't think it will be too hard to get motivated for next week," he explained.

Ireland will be without influential No.8 Jamie Heaslip and centre Gordon D'Arcy for the Test in Hamilton as both players were injured in Christchurch last week.

According to Ireland team manager Mick Kearney, Keith Earls, who missed the second Test, is recovering well from his injury and should be able to take D'Arcy's place in the backline whilst Heaslip is likely to be replaced by Tuohy's Ulster teammate Chris Henry.

"I can't speak highly enough of Chris," Tuohy said. "I've played with him for three years and think he is a fantastic player. He has had an incredible year this year.

"If he is selected I'm sure that he will do the job for us."