Ireland trained with their full 36-player Nations Championship squad in Auckland on Tuesday, with wing Rob Baloucoune and prop Jeremy Loughman both back in full training ahead of Saturday’s series finale against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
According to a fresh update from the Irish Times, head coach Andy Farrell has a full hand to choose from for the toughest assignment of the tour. Baloucoune, who missed the wins over Australia and Japan with a hamstring strain, is back to full training at Auckland’s King’s College, while Loughman, sidelined by concussion for the Japan game, was also put through his paces. Backs coach Andrew Goodman confirmed the squad’s clean bill of health, saying there had been “no mention” of end-of-season fatigue on the fourth week of the tour.
Andy Farrell Faces Selection Headache Ahead Of Eden Park History Bid
Baloucoune’s return creates a dilemma on the right wing, where Jimmy O’Brien impressed against Japan after Jacob Stockdale had deputised on the left following his own injury lay-off. Goodman said the improved form of both players “creates a healthy dilemma for us as coaches” ahead of Farrell naming his matchday 23 on Wednesday night, Irish time.
The stakes are laid bare by history: New Zealand have not lost at Eden Park in 52 Tests stretching back 32 years, and Ireland — who Farrell has said are chasing New Zealand rugby history — have never won in four previous visits. The job is no easier for an All Blacks side carrying its own team news this week, though Dave Rennie’s men remain firm favourites at home.
Fittingly for a coach with a rugby league background, Farrell’s session drew New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster and league great Stacey Jones as onlookers. With Tadhg Beirne pushing for a start at blindside flanker and Sean Jansen in line for the bench, Ireland’s team for the biggest Test of their season is expected to be confirmed on Wednesday.
