Mark Telea ruled out as All Blacks name team for Ireland quarterfinal

The All Blacks feel that they are exactly “where we want to be” ahead of a blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against Ireland on Saturday evening. Coach Ian Foster has named a near full-strength side, but there is a notable change on the left wing.

As reported by the New Zealand Herald earlier this week, Mark Telea was set to miss the clash. That rumour has been made official with Leicester Fainga’anuku set to start in the No. 11 jersey instead.

Coach Ian Foster has confirmed that Telea was ruled out of the clash due to disciplinary reasons.

Enforcer Ethan de Groot is a welcomed inclusion with the front-rower returning from suspension to take on the world’s top-ranked side. De Groot will pack down alongside Tyrel Lomax who has overcome an injury scare to face the Irish.

The rest of the team is practically at full strength, but the decision to select Finlay Christie over fan favourite Cam Roigard on the bench is sure to raise some eyebrows back in  New Zealand.

“We are where we want to be,” coach Ian Foster said in a statement. “World Cup quarterfinals are so exciting for many reasons, and we know the pressure they bring.

“We have had a solid week of preparation and know that it is now about trusting the work we have done and going out to play.

“We feel the massive support we have had from Kiwis both at home and here in France. We greatly appreciate it.”

De Groot and Taylor will join Codie Taylor in the front row, while Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett make up the rest of the tight five. Blindside flanker Shannon Frizell joins captain Sam Cane and world-class No. 8 Ardie Savea in a formidable backrow.

As for the backs, there aren’t too many surprises. Other than Fainga’anuku on the left wing, the rest of the backline is as many expected.

Aaron Smith will link up with Richie Mo’unga in the halves, while Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane will combine in the midfield. Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett are the outside backs.

As for the bench, veteran Dane Coles has been picked ahead of Samisoni Taukei’aho. Finlay Christie and Damian McKenzie have also made the cut.

“We have huge respect for Ireland who are number one in the world for a reason,” Foster added.

“We are excited by the opportunity we have in front of us and expect to be tested in many ways. That is what World Cups are about.”

All Blacks team to take on Ireland

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Scott Barrett
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Sam Cane (c)
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Will Jordan
15. Beauden Barrett

Finishers

16. Dane Coles
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Samuel Whitelock
20. Dalton Papali’i
21. Finlay Christie
22. Damian McKenzie
23. Anton Lienert-Bronw