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Andy Farrell names squad for first Test against New Zealand

Andy Farrell names squad for first Test against New Zealand

Andy Farrell has named his side to take on the All Blacks in Saturday’s opening Test against New Zealand.

In all, there are five changes from the side which started the final Six Nations game against Scotland.

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The instrumental Johnny Sexton captains the side from out half, with partner Jamison Gibson Park at scrum half.

Andrew Porter makes his return to the front row, having missed the final two games of the Six Nations through injury.

Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong complete the trio.

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It's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan in the second row, and the back row is made up of Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris.

Hugo Keenan is named at full back, with Keith Earls and James Lowe on the wings, with Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw as the centres.

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Speaking in the build up to Saturday's meeting, Caelan Doris is aware that Ireland will need to be at their best: "It's not the end of their season, like it was last time." he said.

"They are in their comfort zone and unbeaten at Eden Park.

"They've got that track-record there.

"It's massively exciting for us to come over to their backyard - the best nation in the world.

"It's been, what, 28 years since they've been beaten there?

"It'll be a pretty special thing to do.

"In terms of what it's going to take, it's going to take an 80-minute performance, being at our bets for all of it.

"We know we're going to need to be better than we were in November, and we think we've taken some strides there."

 

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