Ireland name RWC rookie on the bench for All Blacks clash

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand at Stade de France.

After topping Pool B, Ireland go head-to-head with the All Blacks in Paris, with Farrell naming an unchanged starting team from last weekend’s victory over Scotland.

Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe continue in the back three, with Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki powering the midfield. Captain Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park form the formidable half-back pairing.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are up front, while Tadhg Beirne partners Iain Henderson in the second row. Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris make up a highly impressive loose trio.

On the bench, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy and Jack Conan provide support for the forwards, with Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Jimmy O’Brien – in line for his Rugby World Cup debut – completing the match day 23.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

22

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

0%

IRELAND TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Mack Hansen
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton (c)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher
17. David Kilcoyne
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Joe McCarthy
20. Jack Conan
21. Conor Murray
22. Jack Crowley
23. Jimmy O’Brien

Fixture

Rugby World Cup

Ireland

24 - 28

Full-time

New Zealand

All Stats and Data