FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Japan v New Zealand - Yokohama International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan - October 26, 2024 New Zealand's Damian McKenzie during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
(Reuters) -Damian McKenzie is back at flyhalf for New Zealand in their clash with Ireland in Dublin on Friday, one of two injury enforced changes to the side who secured a narrow win over England.
McKenzie, who has spent much of the year in the number 10 jersey, replaced Beauden Barrett, who is unavailable due to a concussion he received in the 24-22 victory at Twickenham.
It is fair to say McKenzie's performances this season have been mixed, but on his day is a match-winner.
"When he is on he is world class. You have to trust him," coach Scott Robertson told reporters on Wednesday.
Asafo Aumua comes in at hooker for Codie Taylor, who was also concussed last weekend. The rest of the side remains the same.
"We have tried to keep the continuity in the squad as much as possible," Robertson said. "There were some good performances (against England) and some cohesion. We won't change just for the sake of it."
Wingers Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke making up a back three alongside fullback Will Jordan. Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane are the centre pairing and Cortez Ratima keeps his place at scrumhalf.
Props Tyrel Lomax and Tamaiti Williams are in the front row alongside Aumua, while captain Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa’I are the locks.
Number eight Ardie Savea is at the back of the scrum with Wallace Sititi, who was outstanding at Twickenham, and Sam Cane.
Robertson expects a raucous atmosphere under Friday night lights, not unlike playing world champions South Africa in their own backyard.
"It is right up there with playing the Springboks in Johannesburg in terms of teams on the top of their game, away from home in front of a full house," he said.
"They (Ireland) can hold the ball and put pressure on you with their kicking game. They are number one in the world and a pretty handy team, aren't they?"
New Zealand beat Ireland 28-24 when the teams met in last year's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
Team:
15-Will Jordan, 14-Mark Tele’a, 13-Rieko Ioane, 12-Jordie Barrett, 11-Caleb Clarke, 10-Damian McKenzie, 9-Cortez Ratima, 8-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane, 6-Wallace Sititi, 5-Tupou Vaa’i, 4-Scott Barrett (captain), 3-Tyrel Lomax, 2-Asafo Aumua, 1-Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16-George Bell, 17-fa Tu’ungafasi, 18-Pasilio Tosi, 19-Patrick Tuipulotu, 20-Samipeni Finau, 21-Cam Roigard, 22-Anton Lienert-Brown, 23-Stephen Perofeta.
(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed Osmond)
