Ireland name RWC rookie on the bench for All Blacks clash

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand at Stade de France.

After topping Pool B, Ireland go head-to-head with the All Blacks in Paris, with Farrell naming an unchanged starting team from last weekend’s victory over Scotland.

Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe continue in the back three, with Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki powering the midfield. Captain Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park form the formidable half-back pairing.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are up front, while Tadhg Beirne partners Iain Henderson in the second row. Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris make up a highly impressive loose trio.

On the bench, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy and Jack Conan provide support for the forwards, with Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Jimmy O’Brien – in line for his Rugby World Cup debut – completing the match day 23.

IRELAND TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND

15. Hugo Keenan

14. Mack Hansen

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Bundee Aki

11. James Lowe

10. Johnny Sexton (c)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter

2. Dan Sheehan

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Tadhg Beirne

5. Iain Henderson

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher

17. David Kilcoyne

18. Finlay Bealham

19. Joe McCarthy

20. Jack Conan

21. Conor Murray

22. Jack Crowley

23. Jimmy O’Brien