The All Blacks team has been named to play Ireland in the Second Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. 

Head coach Ian Foster says this full house (sold out) match in Dunedin is another massive test for the All Blacks, plus clearly an opportunity to seal this (best-of-three) Steinlager series.

“While I was delighted at how we performed and the leadership shown in the first Test match, we will need to really lift and improve in some key areas. We know the Irish will throw everything at us this week to keep the series alive. 

“We’ve again had challenges this week, but we feel this team has laid a foundation to build on and is desperate to improve against a very determined Irish side.”

With Sam Whitelock and Tupou Vaa’i ruled out, Scott Barrett moves back to lock alongside Brodie Retallick.

Dalton Papalii will wear the number six jersey alongside captain Sam Cane at seven and Ardie Savea at the back of the scrum.

“The backline remains unchanged with a plan to build on existing combinations from the previous week,” Foster said.

The three Barretts all in action together once again

Debutants Aidan Ross and Folau Fakatava have the chance for a first Test cap.

While this is the All Blacks eighth Test match at Forsyth Barr Stadium, it will be Ireland’s first Test match at the venue.

The All Blacks have won 40 out of 46 Test matches in Dunedin, with five losses, and one draw.

  1. George Bower (12)
  2. Codie Taylor (67)
  3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (45)
  4. Brodie Retallick (93)
  5. Scott Barrett (49)
  6. Dalton Papalii (13)
  7. Sam Cane (78) Captain
  8. Ardie Savea (60)
  9. Aaron Smith (103)
  10. Beauden Barrett (102)
  11. Leicester Fainga’anuku (1)
  12. Quinn Tupaea (8)
  13. Rieko Ioane (48)
  14. Sevu Reece (18)
  15. Jordie Barrett (37)
     
  16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (10)
  17. Aidan Ross* (0)
  18. Angus Ta’avao (21)
  19. Patrick Tuipulotu (41)
  20. Pita Gus Sowakula (1)
  21. Folau Fakatava* (0)
  22. Richie Mo’unga (33)
  23. Will Jordan (13)

Irish Team

15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster) 21
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht) 4
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster) 43
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster) 58
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 13
10. Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) (capt) 106
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) 18
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 44
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 8
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) 58
4. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster) 31
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 44
6. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 85
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster) 41
8. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) 18

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 26
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 116
18. Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht) 23
19. Kieran Treadwell (Ballymena/Ulster) 6
20. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 28
21. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 97
22. Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Munster) 33
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht) 38