All Blacks v Ireland: Ireland make solitary change for second test against All Blacks

  • 07/07/2022

Ireland have named a near identical starting XV for the second test against the All Blacks at Dunedin on Saturday.

The tourists have matched their All Blacks counterparts in making just one change to the side which took the field at Auckland, bringing Mack Hansen back to the right wing.

Hansen, who was unavailable for the first test after testing positive for COVID-19, replaces Keith Earls despite the veteran winger scoring a try in the 42-19 loss last weekend.

All Blacks v Ireland: Ireland make solitary change for second test against All Blacks
Photo credit: Getty/Newshub.

As expected, captain Johnny Sexton remains in the No. 10 jersey, after passing his concussion protocols following his early departure during the first test due to a head injury.

Ireland prop Finlay Bealham was a late withdrawal from the first test after he failed a COVID test and he returns on the bench along with hooker Rob Herring, back after a training injury.

Former Australia U-20s winger Hansen will play his fifth test for his adopted country, having opened his try-scoring account with a sensational effort from a kickoff against France in the Six Nations.

Dalton Papalii's promotion from the bench to start at blindside flanker is the only change made to the All Blacks' starters by coach Ian Foster and his selectors. Last week's No. 6 Scott Barrett moves into lock to cover for injured Sam Whitelock.

Ireland: 1-Andrew Porter, 2-Dan Sheehan, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Tadhg Beirne, 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris, 9-Jamison Gibson-Park, 10-Johnny Sexton (c), 11-James Lowe, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 13-Garry Ringrose, 14-Mack Hansen, 15-Hugo Keenan

Reserves: 16-Rob Herring, 17-Cian Healy, 18-Finlay Bealham, 19-Kieran Tredwell, 20-Jack Conan, 21-Conor Murray, 22-Joey Carberry, 23-Bundee Aki

Join Newshub for live updates of the second All Blacks v Ireland test from 7pm Saturday.