Locker Joe McCarthy said Ireland would make “no excuses” for their rustiness against the All Blacks on Friday night.

Andy Farrell’s side have not taken the field since their drawn series against South Africa in July.

Their opponents this weekend, however, have played nine Tests in that period, most recently a dramatic victory over England on Saturday.

“It’s an interesting question whether it’s better to be seasoned before a game or to be fresh,” said Leinster second-row McCarthy.

“A lot of our guys have played a lot of games in the URC (United Rugby Championship), which is quite competitive.

“We are proud as a group to be able to come together as quickly as possible.

“Even though it’s the first game, we’re not getting comfortable with it. We hope to be up and running. We have no excuse not to be consistent because it’s our first game.”

Ireland are preparing for their four-match autumn schedule with warm weather training in Portugal, with McCarthy noting that the physicality of forwards coach Paul O’Connell in particular has been ideal preparation for what is to come come this month.

“It’s great to be in Portugal,” he added.

“We had some very good sessions, they were quite tasty.

“The sessions we’ve had here prepare you very well for a match. Paulie’s maul sessions and the attacking on top of that usually prepares you quite well.”