All Blacks make four changes for Ireland showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his team for their Grand Slam tour opener against Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The team includes just four changes to the side that beat the Wallabies in Perth in the final round of the Rugby Championship.

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

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 flyhalf, 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 scrumhalf Cortez Ratima as the back line cover.

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.”

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

Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
Kick-off: 15.10 (20.10 GMT; 09.10 NZDT Sunday, November 2)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)