All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced four changes to the squad for the upcoming test against Ireland on Saturday. The match will take place at Eden Park, where the All Blacks hold a significant unbeaten record.
The team will see Tupou Vaa’i shifted to blindside flanker. In the second row, Josh Lord and Patrick Tuipulotu are set to combine, while Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson will maintain their positions among the loose forwards. The front row will feature Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax, with Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Fletcher Newell named as impact players from the bench.
Among the reserves, Anton Segner is poised to earn a second test cap, and fellow loose forward Peter Lakai rejoins the squad on the bench. The playmaking duo of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love will continue their partnership, while Quinn Tupaea returns to the midfield to play alongside Jordie Barrett. Will Jordan, who recently became the All Blacks’ highest try-scorer in test history, will start on the right wing, with Damian McKenzie at fullback.
Eden Park’s Unbeaten Streak
The All Blacks have maintained an unbeaten record at Eden Park for 52 matches, a streak that dates back to 1994. Their last defeat at the Auckland venue was against France in 1994. This impressive run has established Eden Park as a formidable ground for visiting teams.
The streak began with an 18-18 draw against South Africa in 1994. Since then, the venue has hosted numerous significant moments, including a Rugby World Cup victory in 2011 and notable clashes against the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and 2017. The All Blacks have also secured multiple Bledisloe Cup triumphs at this ground.
The upcoming match against Ireland will be the first time the All Blacks defend this unbeaten record at Eden Park under coach Dave Rennie. Ireland has never defeated the All Blacks at Eden Park, though they have become one of New Zealand’s most challenging opponents in recent years.
The Challenge Ahead
Coach Rennie acknowledged the strength of Ireland, stating they have been one of the top teams globally for several years. He emphasised the challenge Ireland presents to the All Blacks. “We have selected a strong team that allows some of the combinations we have tested to continue building, and rewards players who have impressed over the last two rounds, including some of our recent debutants,” Rennie commented.
The coach also highlighted the crucial role of the impact players. “We know how important our bench will be against a team as tenacious as Ireland, so have selected players who we know are capable of making an impact and influencing the course of the game,” he added.
Both teams enter this fixture with two wins from two matches in the Nations Championship. The All Blacks secured victories against France and Italy, while Ireland defeated Australia and Japan. This sets the stage for a significant encounter in the inaugural Nations Championship.
The All Blacks squad for the Ireland test includes:
- Ethan de Groot (42 test caps)
- Codie Taylor (108 test caps)
- Tyrel Lomax (50 test caps)
- Josh Lord (14 test caps)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (56 test caps)
- Tupou Vaa’i (46 test caps)
- Luke Jacobson (26 test caps)
- Ardie Savea (108 test caps) (Captain)
- Cam Roigard (19 test caps)
- Ruben Love (7 test caps)
- Josh Moorby (1 test cap)
- Jordie Barrett (80 test caps)
- Quinn Tupaea (25 test caps)
- Will Jordan (56 test caps)
- Damian McKenzie (76 test caps)
Reserves include Asafo Aumua (21 test caps), Xavier Numia (1 test cap), Fletcher Newell (36 test caps), Anton Segner (1 test cap), Peter Lakai (9 test caps), Cortez Ratima (23 test caps), Anton Lienert-Brown (89 test caps), and Caleb Clarke (34 test caps). Fehi Fineanganofo and Leroy Carter are unavailable due to shoulder injuries.
Source: rnz.co.nz
