Murray Kinsella reports from Trump Tower

JOE SCHMIDT HAS named Rob Kearney at fullback for Ireland’s clash with New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday [KO 8pm Irish time, eir Sport].

21-year-old pair Joey Carbery and Garry Ringrose could make their Test debuts from the Ireland bench.

Leinster man Kearney missed Ireland’s tour of South Africa due to a hamstring injury but has been reinstated in the 15 shirt, with Jared Payne returning to the midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw.

Kearney is back at 15 for Ireland. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray are the halfbacks, as Simon Zebo and Andrew Trimble start out wide.

Schmidt has opted for Jordi Murphy at openside for the meeting with the All Blacks, the Leinster flanker forming the back row alongside CJ Stander and Jamie Heaslip, with Josh van der Flier providing cover from the bench.

Donnacha Ryan gets the starting nod alongside Devin Toner in the second row, while Jack McGrath, captain Rory Best and Tadhg Furlong form the front row.

Joey Carbery could make his debut off the bench, as could Garry Ringrose. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Schmidt’s bench also includes the uncapped Carbery and Ringrose, as well as Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Sean Cronin, and Kieran Marmion.

Ireland (v New Zealand):

15. Rob Kearney
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Josh van der Flier
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Joey Carbery
23. Garry Ringrose

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

‘We’re Irish, we always have a chance but I just can’t see Ireland winning this game’

‘Natural footballer’ Carbery ready to step up whenever he’s called upon — Murray