Lock Iain Henderson returns to the starting line-up for Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series clash with New Zealand on Saturday.
The 29-year-old’s addition is the only change to the XV who beat Japan in Dublin last weekend, as head coach Andy Farrell retains faith with the team that got their November campaign off to a flyer, although New Zealand will provide a much sterner test.
Munster’s Tadhg Beirne is moves to the bench to compensate the return of Henderson.
Four Irish starters will take on the All Blacks for the very first time at senior level in this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series clash.
These are scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and the back three of Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway and James Lowe.
Rob Herring is in for Dan Sheehan on the replacements bench.
Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose will pair up in midfield once again, both played the full game when Ireland recorded a first ever home win over New Zealand back in 2018.
Fresh from winning his 100th cap against Japan. Johnny Sexton will once again captain the side. Sexton faces the All Blacks for the 14th time in his career on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland team to play New Zealand: 15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Andrew Conway, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Bundee Aki 11. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton © 9. Jamison Gibson Park, 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Ronan Kelleher, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Iain Henderson, 5. James Ryan, 6. Caelan Doris, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Jack Conan.
Replacements: 16. Rob Herring, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Tadhg Beirne, 20. Peter O’Mahony, 21. Conor Murray. 22. Joey Carbery, 23. Keith Earls.
