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.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes with Brexit and Trump you do have to worry about what's in the NH porridge these days. Let's hope the rugby's more predictable.
jeandetroyes
Guest
Any idea where I can catch the game on TV? I can't seem to find it listed anywhere.
DavSA
Guest
Actually if Ireland win I just may adjust the odds to 12-1. The I will go online to The Roar and write biggest load of gobble de rubbish . Sunday morning will cringe with embarrassment but will all be worth it.
Wardad
Guest
Was one of my favourite movies as a kid .Bits still crack me up/
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Don't agree CK. Every other team he has played in he has played 8 with a bit of 6. All the best games I have seen him play are at 8. And other astute coaches have shown they see him as an 8. I'm sure Hansen see's those virtues as well but hansen seems to like versatile players.
Republican
Guest
Kiwis are quite at home in the cold and damp, especially south islanders. NZ's climate is very similar to parts of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Republican
Guest
......concur.
Nomad
Guest
The Chicago set-up was very different... Not just their best two locks were out, but their 3rd lock Romano was gone too. As soon as i saw the AB team announced, with an untried NZ midfield combo and Smith starting at halfback (crazy decision) - then i took the $12 odds on Ireland to win. On the friday i doubled down at $14 when i saw the ABs at the Chicago Cubs victory parade. BB and Savea dancing around and taking selfies in the crowd. Talk about not having yr mind on the job at hand !!! This time the ABs have spent friday pre-match playing with Irish children... but at least they are thinking about rugby lol http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751332
Nomad
Guest
The Chicago set-up was very different... Not just their best two locks out, but their 3rd lock Romano was gone too. As soon as i saw the AB team announced, also with an untried NZ midfield combo and Smith starting at halfback (crazy decision) - then i took the $12 odds on Ireland win. On the friday i doubled down at $14 when i saw the ABs at the Chicago Cubs victory parade... BB and Savea dancing around and taking selfies in the crowd... Talk about not having yr mind on the job at hand !!! This time the ABs have spent friday pre-match playing with Irish children... but at least they are thinking about rugby lol http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751332
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes well in a way to say otherwise is disrespectful. If the Irish truly deserved their win, why wouldn't they be favourites here? If Oz beat England 40-29, who would be favourites the next week? They were either the better team or not. Is it because the ABs will try harder this time?, suggesting they didn't try as hard against them in Chicago. It is entirely logical to suggest that a team you just lost to would be favourites. Anything else would be to be disrespectful of the first win. They are currently the better team of not.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Dunno about underdogs but I am expecting a tough match. Both sides know what to expect and I imagine the intensity will be right up there. Like I guess most, I'm expecting an AB victory but if it were to happen, it will not come easy. Ireland are at home and the crowd will be the 16th player for them. Can hardly wait!
Vic rugby
Guest
Get that checked
richard
Guest
Maybe I am naive.but when he says we go in as underdogs,why can't it be the truth.Based on our last performance,why wouldn't he think that.We were well beaten,and Hansen knows,as anyone with a brain knows,that anything less than a 100% and the ab's will get beaten.Add in its a home game for the Irish,and I would agree with him,we are underdogs. btw that's a pretty low blow - a Trump supporter uuugghh ( not that the other option was any better).
canadiankiwi
Guest
Hansen sees Squire as a blindside, not an 8. Squire has clearly been chosen as Kaino's successor over Dixon, Luatua, Shields, and others. Luatua started the Italy test as specialist No. 8, not Squire. Therefore, Kaino was the only specialist selected out of position.
Rt
Guest
1 to 6 on underdogs! Good one.
Dublin Dave
Guest
This reminds me of a scene from one of my favourite movies, Mel Brooks' western spoof Blazing Saddles. The All Blacks are like Mongo (only not as pretty of course). And they've just been shot!! Bring it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK7ZvZNAiKY
Harry Jones
Expert
Belief can be a powerful, leveling thing.
davSA
Guest
Ireland were very unlucky to lose the series to the Boks earlier this season. I'm also not certain luck played much of a role in defeating the All Blacks. Most of the luck seemed to be with NZ to keep them in touch with the Irish score. They have a great lineout (maybe the worlds best) and are very smartly coached. Also cannot see them an inch short of motivation in front of what I expect to be a vocal and passionate Dublin crowd. The All Blacks (Hansen what are you saying) will start as firm favourites but If Ireland can get their noses in front of the slow starting AB;s just that element of doubt may creep in. Then game on. Go the Irish.... I have a pint (or 6) of Guinness on ice. Cant wait.
ethan
Guest
AB's have their two best locks back. They won't lose their own lineouts, and they will be prepared for the maul this week. That is where they lost it v the Irish last time. The chances of them losing both their centres to injury in the same game are also slim. AB's to win this time. Ireland will play with plenty of heart at home, but they won't get that lucky twice. They definitely deserved it in Chicago, they made the better of the circumstances. But the circumstances are different this time.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
It's a really interesting one Poth. Some of the best and invested rugby brains in the world will have pulled apart that loss to the smallest detail, make no mistake. Yes they'll aim to execute better generally, and no doubt will, but they'll also target any identified weakness and adjust. I reckon if the Irish don't adjust too in some way, it's going to be a long evening. Rugby needs them to pull this off. I really hope they can.