No real surprises here.
Ireland will be looking to finally secure that elusive win against the All-Blacks when they take on the rugby giants in Chicago on Saturday November 5. In their 28 previous encounters, New Zealand have emerged victorious 27 times with both teams sharing the spoils just the once at Lansdowne Road in 1973.
Despite their immaculate record against the Boys In Green, All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen doesn’t see the game as a foregone conclusion.
“The challenge we face from Ireland is a massive one. They’re a well-coached team with quality players, they play to their strengths and they’re very good at identifying and attacking the weaknesses of the opposition they face. We anticipate them using some special plays that we haven’t seen before, as well as bringing a very physical, ‘in-your-face’ attitude and a structured kicking game. Knowing all this has created a good edge in our group.”
“Having said that, I’m most interested in seeing what we’ll bring to the contest because, like us, they too have weaknesses and there’ll be a need to bring our own physicality, and structures to take the game to them for the full 80 minutes.”
And here is the team he’s named in an effort to break Irish hearts again.
1. Joe Moody (20)
2. Dane Coles (46)
3. Owen Franks (87)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (10)
5. Jerome Kaino (75)
6. Liam Squire (6)
7. Sam Cane (37)
8. Kieran Read – captain (94)
9. Aaron Smith (54)
10. Beauden Barrett (46)
11. Julian Savea (49)
12. Ryan Crotty (24)
13. George Moala (3)
14. Waisake Naholo (8)
15. Ben Smith (58)
16. Codie Taylor (11)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (2)
18. Charlie Faumuina (42)
19. Scott Barrett *
20. Ardie Savea (9)
21. TJ Perenara (26)
22. Aaron Cruden (43)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (20)
Colm O’Rourke and Pauric Mahony join Colm Parkinson on a packed GAA Hour that includes Dick Clerkin appreciation and Sean Cavanagh envy. Subscribe here on iTunes.
