Ireland restore stars for All Blacks Test
Tadhg Furlong is part of Ireland's front row
©PA
Ireland have restored several senior players for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against New Zealand at Eden Park, with Andy Farrell making nine changes for the clash against the All Blacks.
Ireland Team Named For All Blacks Test
Farrell has brought back a number of front-line players as Ireland prepare for one of the toughest fixtures in world rugby. Dan Sheehan will captain the side from hooker, with Tom O’Toole and Tadhg Furlong joining him in the front row.
Joe McCarthy and James Ryan return as the second-row pairing, while Tadhg Beirne starts at blindside flanker. Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan complete a powerful Ireland back row.
Robert Baloucoune Returns For Ireland
Robert Baloucoune returns to the Ireland team after impressing earlier in the year, adding pace and finishing threat on the wing. He joins Hugo Keenan and Jimmy O’Brien in the back three.
Sam Prendergast starts at out-half and partners Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs. In midfield, Farrell has selected Stuart McCloskey alongside Garry Ringrose, with Bundee Aki named among the replacements.
Sean Jansen Named On Ireland Bench
New Zealand-born loose forward Sean Jansen has been selected on the bench after being named player of the match on debut against Japan. Nick Timoney and Jeremy Loughman are also included among the replacements, with Loughman returning after concussion.
Ireland won a historic series in New Zealand in 2022 but lost at Eden Park during that tour. Since then, the All Blacks have won the next three Tests against Ireland, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jimmy O'Brien, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan (captain), 1 Tom O'Toole.
Reserves: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Sean Jansen, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.
