Bundee Aki to lead Ireland against Maori All Blacks

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed the matchday squad for the opening game of the New Zealand tour against Maori All Blacks to be played in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Auckland born Bundee Aki will be leading the side on what will be his first game at FMG Stadium Waikato since he left the Chiefs in 2014.

The line up also features Keith Earls at left wing and Jordan Larmour at right with five uncapped players Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Cian Prendergast, Ciaran Frawley and Jimmy O'Brien also given a chance to impress.

Experienced duo Cian Healy and Conor Murray has been named amongst the replacements which also features Jack Conan, Joey Carbery, Finlay Bealham and Niall Scannell.

Ireland's opening Test against the All Blacks has been scheduled on 2nd July at Eden Park in Auckland.

Ireland starting XV: Jimmy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, James Hume, Bundee Aki (c), Keith Earls, Ciaran Frawley, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Nick Timoney, Cian Prendergast, Kieran Treadwell, Joe McCarthy, Tom O’Toole, Dave Heffernan, Jeremy Loughman.

Reserves: Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Michael Lowry