Ireland were reminded of the tough start that awaits them in New Zealand following confirmation of the Maori All Blacks squad.
TJ Perenara, who is set to play for the Maoris for the first time, heads a formidable list of names that Andy Farrell's squad will face first in their five-game, three Test tour.
Ireland will take on the Maoris for only the third time ever in Hamilton on Wednesday week, just three days before the first Test against New Zealand.
They will also meet in a midweek fixture in Wellington ahead of the third Test.
And Perenara, who has 78 All Blacks caps, will look to put a dent in the tourists' morale as he attempts to take out his frustration on the men in green.
Along with Brad Weber, who is also in line for his Maori debut, Perenara was an eye-catching omission from the New Zealand squad for the Ireland Tests.
“They're also proud Maori men,” said Clayton McMillan, the Maoris head coach.
“They're obviously disappointed not to have made the All Blacks, but they're also excited about this opportunity.
“This can hopefully be a platform for them to showcase that they've still got what's required at the highest level.”
Farrell will turn to his second string for the opening encounter.
But the Maoris boast plenty of experience, and Tyrel Lomax is another player with Test experience with the All Blacks who could start in Hamilton.
McMillan, who name-checked Ireland's former Maori representatives James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park in his press conference, has named a squad that includes 11 uncapped players.
“We are expecting a fierce challenge from Ireland," he said.
"To be playing a tier-one nation at home in Aotearoa has been long-awaited.
"The squad named is a mix of experienced players who know how to perform at this level, and players that bring fresh perspective and energy to the game.
“We are lucky to have three experienced All Blacks in the squad in TJ Perenara, Brad Weber and Tyrel Lomax, I’m looking forward to the passion and knowledge they will bring.
"This is also a great opportunity for our 11 new caps, there is immense pride in pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their heritage, their whānau, and their country.
"These two fixtures against Ireland will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage."
Maori All Blacks squad
Props: Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Marcel Renata, Jermaine Ainsley, Tyrel Lomax
Hookers: Leni Apisai , Kurt Eklund, Tyrone Thompson
Second-row: Isaia Walker-Leawere, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson
Back-row: Reed Prinsep, Caleb Delany, Billy Harmon, TK Howden, Cameron Suafoa
Scrum-halves: TJ Perenara , Brad Weber
Out-halves: Josh Ioane, Ruben Love
Centres: Alex Nankivell, Rameka Poihipi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan
Back three: Connor Garden-Bachop, Josh Moorby, Zarn Sullivan, Shaun Stevenson
