Ireland team news: Caelen Doris starts on bench for New Zealand clash as Jack Crowley named at fly-half
By Will Conroy
Updated 30/10/2025 at 18:51 GMT
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Jack Crowley has been selected at fly-half for Ireland's clash with New Zealand on Saturday, while skipper Caelen Doris starts on the bench in Chicago. Dan Sheehan will captain the side for the second time in his career, with Jack Conan set to start at number eight. Meanwhile, Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is set to make his Test debut, having been named on the bench by head coach Andy Farrell.
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Ireland captain Caelan Doris will start on the bench in Saturday's Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand in Chicago, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Doris's absence from the starting XV means Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time in his career, and Jack Conan will start at number eight.
Meanwhile, Jack Crowley has been named at fly-half by head coach Andy Farrell, with 22-year-old Sam Prendergast among the replacements for the contest at Soldier Field.
The two nations last met in Chicago back in 2016 as Ireland beat New Zealand for the first time in their Test history, running out famous 40-29 winners against the then world champions.
Ahead of this weekend's match, 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."
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Sheehan on 'massive honour' of captaining Ireland for first time
Video credit: SNTV
Sheehan will start in the front row alongside Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong, who featured in the win over New Zealand in Chicago in 2016.
Following injuries to Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen, Jamie Osborne and Tommy O'Brien have been named at full-back and right wing.
A foot issue for Joe McCarthy means James Ryan has been selected in the second row next to Tadhg Beirne, while Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Conan make up the back row.
Bundee Aki starts on the bench, having struggled with a hip issue, meaning Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose start in midfield.
Ringrose and Van der Flier were among those to come off the bench in the contest at Soldier Field nine years ago.
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Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is set to make his Test debut, having been named on the bench.
Discussing the 22-year-old, Farrell said: "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 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."
All Blacks recall De Groot
New Zealand have recalled Ethan de Groot to the starting line-up as he joins the front row after recovering from a concussion. Tamaiti Williams moves to the bench as a result.
Beauden Barrett is in the backline once more after a shoulder injury, while Caleb Clarke has overcome an ankle injury to start on the left wing.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: "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 afternoon."
New Zealand line-up v Ireland
New Zealand: 1. E de Groot, 2. C Taylor, 3. F Newell, 4. S Barrett (c), 5. F Holland, 6. S Parker, 7. A Savea, 8. P Lakai, 9. C Roigard, 10. B Barrett, 11. C Clarke, 12. J Barrett, 13. Q Tupaea, 14. L Carter, 15. W Jordan
Replacements: S Taukei’aho, T Williams, P Tosi, J Lord, W Sititi, C Ratima, L Fainga’anuku, D McKenzie
Ireland line-up v New Zealand
Ireland: 15. J Osborne; 14. T O'Brien, 13. G Ringrose, 12. S McCloskey, 11. J Lowe; 10. J Crowley, 9. J Gibson-Park; 1. A Porter, 2. D Sheehan (c), 3. T Furlong, 4. J Ryan, 5. T Beirne, 6. R Baird, 7. J van der Flier, 8. J Conan
Replacements: R Kelleher, P McCarthy, F Bealham, I Henderson, C Doris, C Casey, S Prendergast, B Aki
How to watch Ireland v New Zealand
Ireland v New Zealand will be live on TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ from 7.45pm.
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For the latest information on which rugby matches are on TNT Sports, click here.
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Stream the Quilter Nations Series, Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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