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Sean O’Brien retains his place in the Irish team to face New Zealand. He is the only change from the starting XV that beat the All Blacks, 40-29, two weeks ago, in Chicago.
O’Brien replaces Jordi Murphy, who suffered a serious injury in that match and could be out for up to nine months. O’Brien made his return to international rugby in Ireland’s win against Canada, last Saturday.
O’Brien had been injured since Ireland’s game against France last February, and only came back to play for Leinster earlier last month. In another change from the 23 that beat New Zealand, Paddy Jackson replaces Joey Carbery on the bench.
Carbery played well when he came on against the All Blacks two weeks ago, but Joe Schmidt has obviously gone for the greater experience of Jackson (the New Zealand Test was Carbery’s international debut).
Another change is Iain Henderson, returning from injury, taking Ultan Dillane’s place as a substitute. Dillane had a great game against Canada last Saturday, but picked up a knock in that game.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has drawn a few chuckles from Joe Schmidt by trying to claim that Ireland will start as favourites for the match. While it was a great win by Ireland, it was the country’s first ever against the All Blacks.
Bookies have reduced the odds on an Ireland win from 13-1, as it was before the game in Chicago, to about 6-1. It’s a difficult one to call. Ireland are on a roll but New Zealand have a notable habit of coming back stronger after defeats (they beat Italy 68-10 last week with a depleted side).
The last time New Zealand lost consecutive Tests to the same country was in 2009, to South Africa, and that was the only time in ten years. It has happened very rarely.
Ireland will want to repeat their historic win but it might be difficult to garner up the same motivation now that they have ended the bogey.
It should be a terrific game.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Garry Ringrose.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.