Ireland team to face All Blacks - Robert Baloucoune returns for Eden Park test

Following victories over Australia and Japan, Ireland conclude the opening block of the Nations Championship campaign at Eden Park on Saturday night, with Dan Sheehan returning to captain Farrell’s side (Kick-off 7.10pm local time/8.10am Irish time).

Hugo Keenan is selected at full-back, with the fit again Robert Baloucoune and Jimmy O'Brien on the wings. Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey are named in midfield, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast combining in the half-backs.

The front row sees Tom O'Toole, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong pack down together, while Joe McCarthy partners James Ryan in the second row. After leading Ireland from the second row last week, Tadhg Beirne shifts to blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan completing the starting XV at number eight.

Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman and Thomas Clarkson provide the front-row cover among the replacements, with Nick Timoney and Sean Jansen completing the forward options. Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki are the backline options available to Farrell.

Saturday’s match is live on Virgin Media One and ITV1.

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster)

14. Robert Baloucoune (Ulster)

13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)

12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)

11. Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster)

10. Sam Prendergast (Leinster)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1. Tom O'Toole (Ulster)

2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster - captain)

3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)

4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster)

5. James Ryan (Leinster)

6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster)

7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

8. Jack Conan (Leinster)

16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster)

17. Jeremy Loughman (Munster)

18. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)

19. Nick Timoney (Ulster)

20. Sean Jansen (Connacht)

21. Craig Casey (Munster)

22. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)

23. Bundee Aki (Connacht)