Cian Healy is surprisingly named on the bench pending the results of a scan after suffering an injury earlier in the week. Photograph: Inpho/Billy SticklandThe 96-times capped Keith Earls has been chosen ahead of Jordan Larmour in perhaps the main issue that faced Andy Farrell and his assistants before confirming their selection for the First test against New Zealand in Eden Park on Saturday.
Robbie Henshaw was missing that day but is reunited with Garry Ringrose in a midfield partnership that finished the season strongly with Leinster, while Dan Sheehan comes in for the absent Ronan Kelleher at hooker. “He recovered pretty quickly in the changing room after the game; he is still a bit sore this morning and is going through a few protocols with regard to rehab etc, but we are going to give him through to tomorrow. He has made such improvement and we are optimistic about that.”
James Hume is also awaiting the results of a scan on the groin injury that forced his departure against the Maoris, and Farrell admitted that the centre’s injury “is not looking too great”. Ireland’s victory last November marked their third win in the last five clashes between the two countries, but the All Blacks are seeking to exact ruthless revenge for the third time, having done so in Dublin in November 2016 after the historic Irish win in Chicago, and also in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Ireland return here for the first time in a decade since the All Blacks’ 60-0 win in Hamilton completed a 3-0 series whitewash, New Zealand remains the only country where Ireland have never beaten the home side.
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