Kidney names conservative selection for All Blacks clash
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named the same starting line-up that faced South Africa in the 2010 Guinness Series two weeks ago; the only change to the side is Tom Court who is named at tight-head prop in place of the injured Tony Buckley.
Despite making 11 changes to his side last week for the visit of Samoa, Kidney has reverted to the side that lost to South Africa in the opening Autumn test.
Rob Kearney regains the full-back spot and is joined by Tommy Bowe, who comes in for Andrew Trimble, and Luke Fitzgerald, who switches back to the wing having worn the number 15 shirt against Samoa.
Brian O’Driscoll resumes his centre partnership with Gordan D’Arcy while Paddy Wallace drops out of the squad altogether.
Court is joined by Rory Best and Cian Healy in the front row. Best, in particular, is under severe pressure this weekend after his disappointing performance against the Boks.
Kidney has opted for experience in naming Mick O’Driscoll ahead of Devin Toner at lock forward while the tried and trusted backrow triumvirate of Stephen Ferris, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip is named once more. The unlucky Sean O’Brien once again fails to make the squad.
Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks in a test match.
Robert Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (C), Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Tom Court; Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll; Stephen Ferris, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip
Subs: Sean Cronin, John Hayes, Devin Toner, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Keith Earls
