Nov 07,2024
Rónan Kelleher has been passed fit for Ireland, while Tadgh Furlong misses out on Friday's clash against New Zealand.
Kelleher has recovered from an ankle injury and takes his place at hooker for the 8.10pm kick-off at Aviva Stadium.
However, Leinster team-mate Furlong misses out through injury with Connacht's Finlay Bealham, winning his 43rd cap, starting at tighthead.
Elsewhere, the team is along expected lines with captain Caelan Doris at number 8, and Jack Crowley at out-half.
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe start in the Ireland back three, with Bundee Aki partnering Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park returns to the number 9 jersey alongside Crowley at out-half.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, Kelleher and Bealham are in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan starting in the second row.
Tadhg Beirne is at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier is at openside and Doris completes the starting XV.
Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O'Toole are the front row cover on the bench, while Iain Henderson and Peter O’Mahony are the other forward reinforcements
Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley and Jamie Osborne are the backline options.
Head coach Andy Farrell said: "I am really pleased with the effort of the squad across the week’s training camp in Portugal.
"Since assembling at the IRFU High Performance Centre last week, the players have brought real application to training and it’s great to see a number of players back from injury, which is testament to their diligence and the superb work of the medical team.
"It’s a hugely exciting four weeks ahead in Aviva Stadium and we know we’ll need to perform at a high level to beat a top-class New Zealand side.
"The challenge doesn’t come much bigger or better than New Zealand at a packed Aviva Stadium on a Friday night, under lights, with a home crowd roaring us on."
New Zealand will name their team at 4pm.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley, Jamie Osborne.
