This match marks the start of a four-game November series that also includes matchups against Argentina, Fiji, and Australia.
Ireland, fresh from a Six Nations victory and a drawn series in South Africa, is aiming to finish 2024 on a high note, with their toughest test up first. The rivalry between Ireland and New Zealand has intensified in recent years, with Ireland winning three of their last five encounters, including a historic series win in New Zealand in 2022.
New Zealand, under new head coach Scott Robertson, had a disappointing Rugby Championship but comes into this game eager to make a statement after a win over England last weekend.
On the injury front, Ireland has positive news: Ronan Kelleher is back at hooker, while Dan Sheehan remains sidelined until 2025. Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan return after missing the South Africa tour, and Jamison Gibson-Park is also back from injury to partner Jack Crowley at half-back. Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki team up in the center, with Caelan Doris captaining the side at number eight.
For New Zealand, Damian McKenzie starts at fly-half as Beauden Barrett is out injured. Future Leinster player Jordie Barrett joins Rieko Ioane in the midfield, adding extra fuel to a rivalry that has simmered since the World Cup.
Ireland Lineup
Backs: Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), James Lowe (Leinster); Jack Crowley (Munster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)
Forwards: Andrew Porter (Leinster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Joe McCarthy (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster); Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt)
Replacements: Rob Herring (Ulster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster), Ciarán Frawley (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster)
New Zealand Lineup
Backs: Will Jordan; Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima
Forwards: Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax; Scott Barrett (capt), Tupou Vaa’I; Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea Replacements: George Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Stephen Perofeta
Kick-off is set for 8:10 PM at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, November 8.
Hello reader, I'm Ben. I love to write and talk about sports and I am, unfortunately, hopeless at golf. Thanks for reading!
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