Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled a revamped lineup for the highly anticipated rematch against New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday (20:10 GMT), with Jack Crowley reclaiming the fly-half role and returning captain Caelan Doris relegated to the bench. The decision marks a strategic shift as Farrell balances experience with emerging talent, while injuries and tactical considerations reshape the squad.
Crowley, the Munster star, was rewarded for his standout performance in the early part of the season, including a pivotal role in Munster’s dominant United Rugby Championship victory over Leinster. His return to the 10 jersey comes after a brief dip in form during last year’s autumn Tests, but Farrell emphasized that the 25-year-old “deserves” the spot, citing his strong pre-season and recent displays. “He’s been running the side really well this week,” the coach noted, highlighting the importance of team cohesion during their week-long camp in Chicago.
Captain Dan Sheehan leads the team again, stepping into the hooker role for the second time this year after his successful stint in the Six Nations win over Wales. He is joined in the front row by Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong, both of whom were instrumental in Ireland’s historic 2016 victory over the All Blacks at the same venue. The trio’s inclusion underscores their experience, with 11 of the starting 15 and 14 of the 23-man squad having participated in the British and Irish Lions’ recent Australia series.
Injuries have forced several changes, with Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen ruled out, leading to Jamie Osborne at full-back and Tommy O’Brien on the right wing. James Ryan, recovering from a foot injury, will partner Tadhg Beirne in the second row, while Josh van der Flier and Ryan Baird bolster the back row alongside number eight Jack Conan. Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy, a replacement, is set for his Test debut, adding youthful energy to the team.
Midfield sees a familiar pairing of Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose, though McCloskey’s inclusion is a notable nod to his leadership growth. The 33-year-old, who has struggled for consistent starts recently, was praised by Farrell for “upping” his game, with the coach confident he will seize his opportunity. Meanwhile, Bundee Aki’s absence due to a hip injury leaves a gap in the backline, with the bench featuring experienced replacements.
Farrell acknowledged the challenges of assembling a competitive side in a short timeframe, stating, “You pick a side for the month ahead, and it’s certainly a challenging and exciting one.” The coach emphasized the importance of adaptability, citing the team’s recent training sessions in Chicago as a critical factor in shaping the lineup. With the All Blacks’ star players Beauden Barrett and Will Clarke set to return, the match promises to be a test of Ireland’s resilience and tactical depth.
The game, a rematch of the 2016 Chicago triumph, will be a pivotal moment for several players, including Sheehan, who continues to solidify his reputation as a rising leader, and McCarthy, whose debut could signal a new chapter in Ireland’s forward pack.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!