The All Blacks will be heading into this weekend’s 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter final clash against world number 1 team Ireland making sure they leave no stones unturned.
Coach Ian Foster has named a formidable side to counter a strong Irish team who are on a 17-match winning streak and the All Blacks will be looking to break that.
Tyrel Lomax will also make his return to the starting lineup after suffering an injury against Uruguay that left him in doubt for the rest of the tournament but managed to recover quickly for this important match.
Ethan De Groot,Codie Taylor and Lomax will start in the front rows, Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett will pair up in locks with Shannon Frizell and captain Sam Cane on the flanks and Ardie Savea at number 8.
Nippy halfback Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga will form the halves pair with Leicester Fainga’anuku and Will Jordan will start on the wings.
Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane will be in the centres with Beauden Barrett starting at fullback.
The impacts will have Dane Coles, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Samuel Whitelock and Dalton Papali’i will cover the forwards while Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown will cover the backs.
The All Blacks will take on Ireland at 7am Sunday.
In other RWC quarter finals, Wales will play Argentina at 3am Sunday, the Flying Fijians will take on England at 3am Monday and hosts France will play South Africa at 7am Monday.
Image : All Blacks Rugby
