The All Blacks are preparing for a significant challenge against Ireland in the Nations Championship, with coach Dave Rennie making strategic changes to the squad. The team is set to defend its long-standing unbeaten record at Eden Park.
Tupou Vaa’i has been selected to start at blindside flanker, a move aimed at strengthening the team’s forward options. Rennie noted that this selection provides a larger lineout presence and a more robust pack, which will be crucial against the physical Irish side and in upcoming matches against South Africa.
Squad Adjustments and Player Returns
The decision to move Vaa’i to flanker also sees Anton Segner and Peter Lakai named on the bench. Rennie highlighted Vaa’i’s athleticism and lineout skills as key reasons for his placement in this role, anticipating the need for a strong forward presence throughout the year.
Patrick Tuipulotu returns to the starting lineup at lock alongside Josh Lord after recovering from a calf issue. Tuipulotu expressed satisfaction with his physical condition and readiness to contribute, noting the intensity of training under the new coaching staff. His return is expected to add significant impact to the tight five.
In the backline, Quinn Tupaea returns at centre. Josh Moorby, who made an impressive debut against Italy, will make his first start on the left wing. Rennie praised Moorby’s performance and confidence, describing him as a strong footballer with a high work rate. Moorby himself reflected on his debut, acknowledging the quick learning curve and the support from his teammates.
Jordie Barrett, the second five-eighth, participated in Thursday’s training after dealing with a minor issue earlier in the week. Caleb Clarke is expected to provide impact off the bench with his explosive play and high ball skills.
Ireland’s Challenge and Eden Park Record
Ireland coach Andy Farrell acknowledges the significance of the match, viewing it as a potential opportunity to break the All Blacks’ 52-game unbeaten streak at Eden Park. Farrell’s side is at full strength, with Robert Baloucoune returning from a hamstring injury and Tadhg Beirne starting at flanker.
Jimmy O’Brien will play on the left wing, one of five players who have started all three Nations Championship games. The others include Stuart McCloskey, Jack Conan, James Ryan, and Tom O’Toole. Tuipulotu noted the healthy respect the All Blacks have for Ireland, recognising them as significant rivals, especially after their series win in 2022.
The All Blacks are well aware of the threats posed by Ireland, described by Rennie as an excellent side with genuine confidence. Rennie emphasised the need for a stronger performance than their previous match against Italy to maintain their unbeaten run at Eden Park.
The pressure of preserving the 32-year, 52-test unbeaten record at Eden Park is seen by Rennie as a motivator rather than a burden. Tuipulotu echoed this sentiment, stating that the record provides energy and motivation for the team to avoid being the first to lose at the venue.
The teams for the match are as follows:
- New Zealand: 1. Ethan de Groot (42), 2. Codie Taylor (108), 3. Tyrel Lomax (50), 4. Josh Lord (14), 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (56), 6. Tupou Vaa’i (46), 7. Luke Jacobson (26), 8. Ardie Savea (108 – captain), 9. Cam Roigard (19), 10. Ruben Love (7), 11. Josh Moorby (1), 12. Jordie Barrett (80), 13. Quinn Tupaea (25), 14. Will Jordan (56), 15. Damian McKenzie (76).
- Substitutes: 16. Asafo Aumua (21), 17. Xavier Numia (1), 18. Fletcher Newell (36), 19. Anton Segner (1), 20. Peter Lakai (9), 21. Cortez Ratima (23), 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (89), 23. Caleb Clarke (34).
- Ireland: 1. Tom O’Toole (23), 2. Dan Sheehan (40 – captain), 3. Tadhg Furlong (87), 4. Joe McCarthy (25), 5. James Ryan (82), 6. Tadhg Beirne (72), 7. Josh van der Flier (80), 8. Jack Conan (61), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (52), 10. Sam Prendergast (16), 11. Jimmy O’Brien (13), 12. Stuart McCloskey (30), 13. Garry Ringrose (75), 14. Robert Baloucoune (8), 15. Hugo Keenan (47).
- Substitutes: 16. Ronan Kelleher (50), 17. Jeremy Loughman (9), 18. Thomas Clarkson (15), 19. Nick Timoney (13), 20. Sean Jansen (1), 21. Craig Casey (29), 22. Ciaran Frawley (14), 23. Bundee Aki (71).
The referee for the match is Nic Berry from Australia.
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Source: allblacks.com
