Jack Crowley ready to kick on when Ireland face New Zealand in Chicago
Jack Crowley during Ireland training at SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Cork's Jack Crowley has been handed the number 10 jersey for Saturday's Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field, 8.10pm Irish time.
Crowley, outstanding for Munster recently, will act as out-half ahead of his provincial rival Sam Prendergast, while Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field.
Innishannon native Crowley and Tadhg Beirne are the two Munster representatives in the squad while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.
Looking ahead to the game, Andy Farrell said: “It is a real privilege to be back here in Chicago ahead of a huge game against New Zealand. We’ve been received brilliantly by the local community and there are going to be thousands of Irish supporters cheering us on which is something that will inspire the team. The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions and we’re expecting more of the same on Saturday.
“The historic nature of this game is something we are embracing and there’s great excitement in the squad, not least for Paddy McCarthy who is set to make his international debut this weekend. Paddy has made a great start to the season and his selection is testament to his impressive form. We wish him well and will all do our utmost to make it a special weekend for him and his family.”
Saturday’s match is live on Virgin Media One and TNT Sports.
Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Ronan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Caelan Doris, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Bundee Aki.
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