Ian Henderson returns to Ireland team for All-Blacks meeting

Ulster's Iain Henderson starts in the second row in place of Tadhg Beirne against New Zealand this Saturday at a sold out Aviva Stadium

Captain Johnny Sexton is facing New Zealand for the 14th time in his international career there are four players across the backline that face the All Blacks for the first time including his half-back partner Jamison Gibson Park.

The back three of Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway and James Lowe will also play New Zealand at senior level for the first time. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose are partnered in midfield for the fourteenth occasion.

There is one change to the starting pack with Iain Henderson partnering James Ryan in the engine room while the front row of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadgh Furlong is retained.

Similarly the backrow of Caelan Doris at six, Josh van der Flier at 7 and Jack Conan at No.8 continues from last week’s game against Japan.

The replacements for Saturday’s game are Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Keith Earls.

Ireland

15. Hugo Keenan
16. Andrew Conway
17. Garry Ringrose
18. Bundee Aki
19. James Lowe
20. Johnny Sexton (C)
21. 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

Ireland v New Zealand

Saturday 13th November, 2021

Aviva Stadium KO 3.15pm