McKenzie returns as flyhalf for All Blacks against Ireland

Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf for New Zealand in their highly anticipated clash against Ireland in Dublin this Friday, marking one of two injury-forced changes to the All Blacks lineup from their recent narrow victory over England.

McKenzie, who has alternated between flyhalf and fullback this season, steps in for Beauden Barrett, sidelined with a concussion sustained during last week’s 24-22 win at Twickenham.

McKenzie’s form has been inconsistent this season, yet head coach Scott Robertson expressed confidence in his ability to make a decisive impact, stating,

“When he is on he is world-class. You have to trust him.” Asafo Aumua also joins the starting XV at hooker, replacing Codie Taylor, who is similarly unavailable due to a concussion.

Robertson emphasized maintaining squad continuity, noting the value of team cohesion displayed in their England encounter. “We won’t change just for the sake of it,” he said.

This consistency is seen across the backline, where Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke will flank Will Jordan, who resumes his role at fullback. The centre pairing of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane remains intact, with Cortez Ratima retaining the scrumhalf position.

In the forwards, Tyrel Lomax and Tamaiti Williams will prop alongside Aumua, while Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i take on locking duties. In the loose forwards, Sam Cane and Wallace Sititi, who shone at Twickenham, join No. 8 Ardie Savea.

Meanwhile, Ireland faces its own lineup adjustments. Head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Ronan Kelleher’s availability at hooker after overcoming an ankle injury, but Tadhg Furlong will sit out due to a hamstring strain, with Finlay Bealham filling in at tighthead and Tom O’Toole named among the substitutes. The experienced Andrew Porter completes Ireland’s front row.

Ireland’s lineup also sees Caelan Doris captaining from No. 8, partnered in the back row by flankers Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier.

In the backline, New Zealand-born Jamison Gibson-Park returns at scrumhalf alongside flyhalf Jack Crowley, while Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose make up the midfield pairing. The back three is completed by fullback Hugo Keenan and wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe.

New Zealand XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Mark Tele’a, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Reserves: 16 George Bell, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Stephen Perofeta