Farrell recalls experienced trio for All Blacks Test

English Woman's Journal - Farrell recalls experienced trio for All Blacks Test

SPORTS 06.11.2024

Farrell recalls experienced trio for All Blacks Test / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP

Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen, who missed the epic Ireland victory over South Africa to tie a summer series, have been recalled to the starting line-up for Friday's blockbuster Test with New Zealand.

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All three were key members of Ireland's World Cup team last year whose dreams of winning the trophy were dashed by the All Blacks in a quarter-final thriller.

Keenan returns after the dynamic fullback took a sabbatical to play for Ireland's sevens team at the Paris Olympics.

Hansen comes back after missing the Six Nations -- which saw Ireland retain their title though miss out on repeat Grand Slams -- through injury.

His Connacht teammate Aki, whose performances last year earned him a world player of the year nomination, missed the second Test against the Springboks due to a shoulder issue.

Another Connacht man, Finaly Bealham, also starts, the Australia-born prop coming in for the injured Tadhg Furlong.

Jack Crowley has been given the nod by head coach Andy Farrell at fly-half despite Ciaran Frawley being the match winner in South Africa with a last gasp drop-goal in the 25-24 victory which secured a 1-1 drawn series.

Caelan Doris skippers the side, although regular captain Peter O'Mahony is on the bench and can provide an experienced helping hand to the 26-year-old should it be needed.

The Irish and All Blacks will be meeting for the fifth time in just over two years with them tied at 2-2, the Irish having recorded a historic 2-1 series victory in New Zealand in July 2022.

Team (15-1)

Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne; James Ryan, Joe McCarthy; Finlay Bealham, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

K.R.Jones--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Farrell recalls experienced trio for All Blacks Test