Ireland's Kelleher fit but Furlong out for All Blacks clash

Ireland’s front row will see key changes as they prepare to face New Zealand in the opening match of the Autumn Nations Series in Dublin.

With Tadhg Furlong sidelined due to injury, Finlay Bealham steps into the lineup, joined by Ronan Kelleher, who has recovered from an ankle issue that sidelined him last month.

Kelleher’s availability is a significant boost, especially with Leinster teammate Dan Sheehan also out. He will partner with Andrew Porter and Bealham in a front row aimed at countering New Zealand’s formidable scrummaging power.

The lineup retains ten players from Ireland’s last-minute victory over world champions South Africa in July, providing continuity and experience.

Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park returns after a hamstring issue kept him from the South Africa tour, while wing Mack Hansen, making his first appearance since the World Cup in France, adds speed on the flank.

Hugo Keenan, who participated in Ireland’s Sevens squad at the Paris Olympics, and Bundee Aki, at inside centre, also reinforce the backline. Ireland’s skipper Caelan Doris will lead the squad from number eight, with flanking support from Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier.

Peter O'Mahony, who previously led Ireland to Six Nations victory, joins the bench following his recovery from a hamstring issue. He’s accompanied by an experienced bench lineup including Rob Herring, Cian Healy, and Iain Henderson.

Locks Joe McCarthy and James Ryan will anchor the second row behind the front three, while Garry Ringrose at outside centre, Jack Crowley at fly-half, and James Lowe on the left wing complete the starting lineup.

The bench is rounded out by Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, and Jamie Osborne, poised to support a determined Irish side as they aim to start their series with a strong performance at Aviva Stadium.

"Since assembling last week, the players have brought real application to training and it's great to see a number of players back from injury, which is testament to their diligence and the superb work of the medical team," said head coach Andy Farrell.

"It's a hugely exciting four weeks ahead in Aviva Stadium and we know we'll need to perform at a high level to beat a top-class New Zealand side.

"The challenge doesn't come much bigger or better than New Zealand at a packed Aviva Stadium on a Friday night under lights with a home crowd roaring us on."

Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Jamie Osborne