Ireland v New Zealand preview
Johnny Sexton returns to the Ireland starling line-up to take on the All Blacks in Chicago on Saturday after missing their three test tour of South Africa in the summer.
Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt has named a tried-and-tested starting XV but has opted for a very inexperienced bench for the test match in Chicago.
Leinstermen Joey Carbery and Garry Ringrose, both 21, could make their test debuts from the bench, while Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier and Kieran Marmion have just 15 caps between them.
Fullback Rob Kearney will win his 70th cap and is joined in the back-three by experienced operators Andrew Trimble and Simon Zebo.
Schmidt said: “We have tried to go with a little bit of experience (in the back-line), just because of the magnitude of the game and the quality of the opposition, to be honest.
“That’s a starting point for us, and once those younger guys do get on, that will give us an opportunity to assess them a little bit against a very, very high standard of opposition. At the same time it will give them an idea of what it’s like to play at the very, very top level.
“It’s a little bit daunting for them (Carbery and Ringrose) but it’s a great opportunity to learn. When they get out there I’ve no doubt the pace of the game will be pretty sharp. Those two youngsters, they can run all day and hopefully we’re not chasing shadows. Hopefully they can get a shot with the ball and demonstrate a little bit of the talent we’ve seen in them.”
Meanwhile for New Zealand, wing Julian Savea is set to earn his 50th test cap when he runs out on Soldier Field against Ireland.
Savea boasts an impressive try scoring record for the All Blacks having notched up 46 tries in his 49 test caps to date.
Experienced flanker Jerome Kaino will start his first test at lock in the absence of injured duo Brodie Retallick and Same Whitelock.
There is a recall for Aaron Smith who will link up with Beauden Barrett again, Smith has missed the past few tests after ruling himself unavailable for personal reasons.
Barrett’s brother, Scott, who plays at lock is named on the bench alongside Ardie Savea and should the pair join their older brothers on the field it will be the first time since 1961 two sets of brothers have played for the All Blacks.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “Firstly, we want to congratulate Scott on being selected in the matchday 23 for the first time. It will be special day for him and the entire Barrett family, including his two brothers who are touring with him. Also, we want to congratulate Julian on reaching 50 Tests. That is a significant achievement and again he and his family can be rightly proud of everything he has achieved in the black jersey.
“Returning to Chicago for only the second time in our history has, once again, been a great experience. The team have embraced the sporting atmosphere and the culture of the city and we really appreciate the way we’ve been looked after by the people of Chicago.”
Hansen added: “The challenge we face from Ireland is a massive one. They’re a well-coached team with quality players, they play to their strengths and they’re very good at identifying and attacking the weaknesses of the opposition they face. We anticipate them using some special plays that we haven’t seen before, as well as bringing a very physical, ‘in-your-face’ attitude and a structured kicking game. Knowing all this has created a good edge in our group.”
Ireland: Rob Kearney (Leinster, 69 Caps); Andrew Trimble (Ulster, 66 Caps), Jared Payne (Ulster, 16 Caps), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, 22 Caps), Simon Zebo (Munster, 25 Caps); Johnny Sexton (Leinster, 61 Caps), Conor Murray (Munster, 50 Caps); Jack McGrath (Leinster, 33 Caps), Rory Best (C) (Ulster, 97 Caps), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 8 Caps); Devin Toner (Leinsterm, 40 Caps), Donnacha Ryan (Munster, 39 Caps); CJ Stander (Munster, 7 Caps), Jordi Murphy (Leinster, 16 Caps), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster, 88 Caps)
Replacements: Sean Cronin (Leinster, 52 Caps), Cian Healy (Leinster, 58 Caps), Finlay Bealham (Connacht, 2 Caps), Ultan Dillane (Connacht, 5 Caps), Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 2 Caps), Kieran Marmion (Connacht, 6 Caps), Joey Carbery (Leinster, Uncapped), Garry Ringrose (Leinster, Uncapped)
New Zealand: Ben Smith (Highlanders, 58 Caps); Waisake Naholo (Highlanders, 8 Caps), George Moala (Blues, 3 Caps), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders, 24 Caps), Julian Savea (Hurricanes, 49 Caps); Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes, 46 Caps), Aaron Smith (Highlanders, 54 Caps); Joe Moody (Crusaders, 20 Caps), Dane Coles (Hurricanes, 46 Caps), Owen Franks (Crusaders, 87 Caps); Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, 10 Caps), Jerome Kaino (Blues, 75 Caps); Liam Squire (Highlanders, 6 Caps), Sam Cane (Chiefs, 37 Caps), Kieran Read (C) (Crusaders, 94 Caps)
Replacements: Codie Taylor (Crusaders, 11 Caps), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues, 2 Caps), Charlie Faumuina (Blues, 42 Caps), Scott Barrett (Crusaders, Uncapped), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes, 9 Caps), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes, 26 Caps), Aaron Cruden (Chiefs, 43 Caps), Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders, 20 Caps)
ED HUTSON
