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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

One change in Ireland team to face New Zealand as Andy Farrell largely stays the course

There's just one change in the Ireland side to face the All Blacks in their second clash of our tour of New Zealand.

Mack Hansen replaces Keith Earls on the right wing in spite of him opening the scoring last Saturday before things ultimately fell apart over a critical 15-minute period where Ireland conceded four tries.

Rob Herring and Finlay Bealham do bolster the bench in a much-needed boost for our front row.

READ MORE: Andy Farrell taking the positives from Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand in opening Test

We already knew Johnny Sexton had been cleared to play despite suffering a head injury though plenty will feel there would have been value in giving Joey Carbery more experience since there is a clear need to develop a back-up plan for the World Cup with Sexton's age generally catching up on him and injuries of all sorts becoming a more common occurrence for the captain.

The team in full is: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Bundee Aki

Kick-off for the game is at 8:05 am Irish time on Saturday. This time it'll be played in Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin.

Speaking about his selection process, Farrell maintained the likes of Carbery, who came off the bench for the stricken Sexton, were close to getting the nod.

He said: “There are all sorts of different considerations that go into selection.

“Some people are unlucky not to start because they made a good impact off the bench last weekend. But a lot of the lads who were selected last week get an opportunity to go again.”

Then regarding the difference in venue that Dunedin offers versus Eden Park, he added: “We all know this place suits the All Blacks. Every game I have watched in the stadium has been fantastic.

“I have coached there a good few times now and it has always been quick. It is not the biggest of stadiums but the atmosphere is electric in there because of the roof etc.

“I expect more of what we have seen in Super Rugby and when the All Blacks have played there in the past against the Lions or any international side. The ball will be quick.”

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