NEW ZEALAND BOSS Ian Foster has included wing Leicester Fainga’anuku in his team to face Ireland in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night in Paris [KO 8pm, Virgin Media].
Toulon-bound wing Fainga’anuku starts ahead of Mark Telea, who scored two tries in the Kiwis’ opening game of the World Cup against France, but has not been left out of the matchday 23 to take on Ireland.
Foster has confirmed that Telea wasn’t picked for disciplinary reasons, having breached a team protocol.
Tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax is fit to start the quarter-final after a knee worry, while loosehead prop Ethan de Groot returns from suspension.
Foster has opted for the greater experience of Finlay Christie over the form of Cam Roigard in the All Blacks’ back-up scrum-half spot, while 23-year-old Tamaiti Williams is named as the replacement loosehead ahead of the experienced Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
The Kiwi backline is full of pace and power in the likes of Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, and Beauden Barrett, while the wily Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga will steer the ship from the halfback slots.
The New Zealand forward pack includes some highly experienced campaigners like captain Sam Cane, Codie Taylor, Brodie Retallick, and the talismanic number eight Ardie Savea.
New Zealand (v Ireland):
- 15. Beauden Barrett
- 14. Will Jordan
- 13. Rieko Ioane
- 12. Jordie Barrett
- 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
- 10. Richie Mo’unga
- 9. Aaron Smith
- 1. Ethan de Groot
- 2. Codie Taylor
- 3. Tyrel Lomax
- 4. Brodie Retallick
- 5. Scott Barrett
- 6. Shannon Frizell
- 7. Sam Cane (captain)
- 8. Ardie Savea
Replacements:
- 16. Dane Coles
- 17. Tamaiti Williams
- 18. Fletcher Newell
- 19. Samuel Whitelock
- 20. Dalton Papali’i
- 21. Finlay Christie
- 22. Damian McKenzie
- 23. Anton Lienert-Brown
“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.