All Blacks fullback David Havili bracing for physical challenge against Ireland

All Blacks fullback David Havili is looking forward to the physical challenge as they host Ireland in a three-game Test series in July.

Having faced the experience of playing Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin last year where Ian Foster's men lost 29-20, the 27-year-old is now looking to take them on at home if selected.

"International rugby is so physical, and you've got to be able to get your body back to where it needs to be each week, and that was a big learning for me.

"I was sort of a wee bit tired going into the back of those games, and I've focused hard around my recovery this year, and getting my body right and where it needs to be, to keep competing at that top level."

Havili is also looking forward to welcome his Crusaders team-mate Leicester Fainga'anuku to the side and believes he has the potential to succeed at the highest level.

"He had been huge for the Crusaders during the season." he added.

"Just his physical presence. He's young, he's hungry and he wants the ball. He wants to make a difference, so if we can exploit that through here as well, and I'm sure we will, they'll get the best out of him".

The three-game Test series between New Zealand and Ireland will kick-start on 2nd July at Eden Park in Auckland with the second and third game scheduled to be played in Dunedin and Wellington on 9th and 16th July respectively.