Ireland announce squad for the third test against New Zealand – Rugby News Update
Declan Kidney, the head coach of Ireland, has announced his team for the third and final test against New Zealand, this Saturday.
Despite Ireland losing both the test matches on All Blacks' soil, there is more than just pride to play for, as they have not defeated New Zealand in over 107 years, and came close in the last game, losing out to a last-minute drop goal.
The visitors have had to reshuffle their team once again, and Paddy Wallace, the 32-year-old Ulster fly-half, will partner Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll in the centre. This will be his third different partner in the centre in as many matches.
Wallace replaces Gordon D'Arcy, who has flown back home due to an injury sustained at Christchurch. The fly-half arrived in New Zealand this Tuesday, and Kidney has indicated that it is not ideal for Wallace but the medical team has ensured that he will
not be jet-lagged.
Declan said, "Paddy has always been a great player for Ireland. We talk about the squad ethic and what Paddy has given in the background, and in his 10 years' service to the Irish team, has been fantastic."
Paddy has played for Ireland 29 times, starting 15 games and coming on as a substitute 14 times. He last played for his country in September 2011, against Russia.
The other notable change sees Keith Earls return to his favoured wing position, having missed out the second test due to an injury in the first game.
"Keith's stated preference is he prefers to play at 13 but Brian (O'Driscoll) is not one to give it up too easily," said Ireland coach Declan Kidney.
"He is a great team player and he is happy to be back in."
Ireland:
Starting: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Dan Tuohy, 3 Mike Ross,
2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Chris Henry, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.
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