Ireland makes nine changes for All Blacks test at Eden Park

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made nine changes to his starting lineup for the crucial Nations Championship clash against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday, July 18. The selection marks a return to a full-strength side after a heavily rotated team defeated Japan last weekend, with 13 of the 15 starters restored from the side that opened the tournament with a win over Australia.

The most notable return is that of wing Robert Baloucoune, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw on the day of the Australia match and kept him out of the Japan fixture. His inclusion sees Jimmy O'Brien shift from the right wing to the left, with Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale omitted from the matchday squad. Hugo Keenan retains the fullback position.

In the halves, fly-half Sam Prendergast and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park are reunited after being rested last week. The midfield sees Garry Ringrose return at outside centre to partner Stuart McCloskey, with Robbie Henshaw dropping out. Up front, captain Dan Sheehan returns at hooker alongside prop Tadhg Furlong, while Tom O'Toole continues at loosehead prop. The second row features Joe McCarthy...