Caelan Doris returns as Sheehan captains Ireland for Chicago clash against New Zealand
Eva Osborne
Caelan Doris returns to the Ireland squad as Dan Sheehan captains the side for Saturday’s Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The game will start at 3.10pm local time/8:10pm Irish time on Saturday.
Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Match Day 23 as Ireland begin a packed block of autumn fixtures with a rematch against the All Blacks — nine years on from that unforgettable victory in the Windy City back in 2016.
Sheehan leads the team for the second time, anchoring a front row that also features Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong, while Leinster’s Paddy McCarthy is poised for his Test debut off the bench.
In the backline, Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, and James Lowe form an exciting back three, with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose paired again in midfield. Jack Crowley starts at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half.
Behind the scrum, James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne combine in the second row, while the back row sees Ryan Baird at blindside, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at number eight.
Farrell’s replacements include Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, and the returning Caelan Doris, offering serious power from the bench. Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki provide backline cover.
Speaking ahead of the match, 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.”
