Crowley gets playmaker gig for Ireland against All Blacks

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has revealed his matchday squad for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.

Farrell has named Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the Ireland back three, with Stuart McCloskey partnering Garry Ringrose in midfield.

Jack Crowley is selected to start at flyhalf, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the halfbacks.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, and a back row of Ryan Baird at blindside flank, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at No.8 completing Ireland’s starting XV.

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki provide the backline reinforcements.

Looking ahead to the game, 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 a 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.”

Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan (captain), 1 Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Caelan Doris, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Bundee Aki.

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)