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Barrett at first five for All Blacks against Ireland

  • Writer: Dave Worsley
    Dave Worsley
  • 17 hours ago
  • 2 min read
Beauden Barrett (left) will start at first five for the All Blacks back from injury, Will Jordan is at fullback PHOTO: ALL BLACKS
Beauden Barrett (left) will start at first five for the All Blacks back from injury, Will Jordan is at fullback PHOTO: ALL BLACKS

There are four changes to the side that beat the Wallabies in Perth in the final round of the Rugby Championship as the All Blacks face Ireland in Chicago.


Ethan de Groot returns from concussion to join Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor in the starting front row moving Tamaiti Williams move to the bench where he will play an impact role alongside fellow front-rowers Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.


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The only other change to the forwards is on the bench, with lock Josh Lord coming into the side to replace the injured Patrick Tuipulotu.


In the backs, Beauden Barrett returns from a shoulder injury to start at first-five eighth, and Caleb Clarke returns from his ankle injury to take the left wing. Leicester Fainga’anuku and Damian McKenzie move into the reserves to join halfback Cortez Ratima as the back line cover.


All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the squad has prepared well in Chicago this week for what they know will be a tough match against Ireland.


“This is an awesome match to kick off our Northern Tour with. Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters here in Chicago, so we are prepared for a passionate clash on the Soldier Field stage. We have had a great week together leading up to the Test and now we are looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon.”


Ireland’s first ever win over the All Blacks was 40-29 at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2016. New Zealand was unbeaten against Ireland for 111 years before that loss.


Since then, Ireland have won a further four Tests in 2018, 2021, and twice in 2022. The All Blacks have picked up five wins over the same period, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and last year’s match in Dublin.


All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Will Jordan

Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Leicester Fainga'anuku, 23. Damian McKenzie

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