Welcome to live coverage of the second Test between the All Blacks and Ireland from Dunedin. Follow all the action in our blog below!
A week is a long time in sport and after the All Blacks destroyed Ireland in the first Test at Eden Park, the pressure is on for Andy Farrell’s men in green.
After a strong start in Auckland, the All Blacks jumped on Ireland’s mistakes and opened up a wide lead before emerging 42-19 winners.
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Ireland, who arrived in New Zealand looking for their maiden victory in the Shaky Islands, have been faced with reality and must bounce back if they are to be considered as a World Cup contender.
They brought in former Brumby Mack Hansen on the right wing, while Johnny Sexton was deemed fit despite suffering a concussion in the first half.
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Meanwhile, the absence of Sam Whitelock (concussion) saw Scott Barrett drop to second and Dalton Papalii come on the blind flank.
Prop Aidan Ross and Livewire half-back Folau Fakatava, who also plays alongside Aaron Smith for the Highlanders, are lucky enough to get a first Test selection after being named on the bench while full-back outside Will Jordan is also part of the reserves after recovering from COVID.
All Blacks manager Ian Foster said he was looking to capitalize on their continuity.
“While I was pleased with our performance and the leadership we showed in the first test match, we really need to improve in some key areas,” Foster said.
“We know the Irish are going to throw everything at us this week to keep the streak alive. We’ve had some challenges again this week but we think this team have laid a foundation to build on and are desperate to improve. against a very determined Irish team.
“The bottom line remains unchanged with a plan to build on the existing combinations from the previous week.”
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Dalton Papalii, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, George Arbor
Reservations: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan
IRELAND (15-1): Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan , Andrew Porter
Reservations: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carberry, Bundee Aki
