Farrell Names Strong Squad for All Blacks Test

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Left wing James Lowe and halfback Jamison Gibson-Park have retained their starting places.

Returning loose forward Caelan Doris has also been named on the bench with Jack Conan selected at No8. Josh van der Flier has been named on the openside flanker with Ryan Baird on the blindside. 

James Ryan and Tadgh Beirne will lock the scrum with Iain Henderson to come off the bench.

Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong are named as props with hooker Dan Sheehan to captain the side for the second time.

Munster first five-eighths Jack Crowley has won the first five-eighths role while Garry Ringrose and Stuart McLoskey are paired in the midfield with fullback Jamis Osborne and wing Tommy O'Brien joining Lowe in the rear.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell said Crowley deserves to start the Test. That decision is based on his good form with Munster since the start of the season and on what he has shown in camp with Ireland.

"He had a great pre-season, started the season in good form, and it's something we've seen in the first week over here.

"Jack has been running the side really well and we're looking forward to seeing him perform."

The only new cap in the Ireland squad is prop Paddy McCarthy, who has been named on the bench.

"Paddy has made a great start to the season and his selection is testament to his impressive form."

Farrell said it has been a privilege to be back in Chicago ahead of such a 'huge game against New Zealand'.

"The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions, and we're expecting more of the same on Saturday. (US time).

"The historic nature of this game is something we are embracing and there's great excitement in the squad."

The Gallagher Cup – The Rematch will be available on Pay Per View in 66 countries via NZR+, the official global streaming home of New Zealand Rugby. Visit the Where to Watch page on allblacks.com to find how to watch All Blacks v Ireland around the world.

Ireland match-day 23 (Club/Province/Caps)

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(8)
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(2)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(67)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(21)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(40)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(26)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(43)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(75)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32)(captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(79)
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(72)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(61)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(29)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(73)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(51)

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(39)
17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(85)
20. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(51)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(20)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(9)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(65).