Michael Aylwin
In the perennial struggle between domestic sport and international, more exquisitely poised in rugby than anywhere else, this weekend marks the opening of the latest window for the international game to set out its stall. The merchants mean business, too, if the strength of the teams announced, so often depleted at this time of year, is anything to go by.
Teams
Ireland’s Finlay Bealham has tested positive for Covid so Cian Healy comes into the 22. For New Zealand there are a couple of debutants: Leicester Fainga’anuku is on the wing, and the Chiefs No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula is on the bench.
New Zealand: J. Barrett, Reece, R. Ioane, Tupaea, Fainga’anuku, B. Barrett, Smith, Bower, Taylor, Tu’ungafasi, Retallick, Whitelock, S. Barrett, Cane, Savea. Replacements: Taukeiaho, Tuinukuafe, Taavao-Matau, Sowakula, Papali’i, Christie, Mo’unga, Ennor.
Ireland: Keenan, Earls, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe, Sexton, Gibson-Park, Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan, O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris. Replacements: Heffernan, Healy, O’Toole, Treadwell, Conan, Murray, Carbery, Aki.
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Preamble
Ireland waited a long time to beat New Zealand: 111 years, to be precise. Since they finally achieved the feat in Chicago in 2018, the floodgates have opened, and Ireland now have three victories against the All Blacks on the books, most recently in November 2021.
However, they are still yet to defeat New Zealand in New Zealand. What would it mean for Andy Farrell’s side to do so in the next few weeks? Everything and nothing, but mainly everything, both as a milestone on their journey to next year’s World Cup, and in itself as one of rugby union’s great achievements.
Like Wimbledon and the Tour de France, Covid has not left this event untouched, with a number of players and coaches sidelined. The former Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt, has even been drafted in as a stand-in by New Zealand to lend a hand.
With England in Australia and Wales in South Africa it’s the start of a bumper summer of rugby, but this one could be the best of the lot.
Kick-off: 8.05am BST.
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