Sam Prendergast and Sean Jansen Aim to Feature Against New Zealand
Sam Prendergast and new call-up Sean Jansen hope to feature when Ireland face Ardie Savea's New Zealand at Eden Park on 18 July.
Historic Benchmark from Previous World Cup Cycle
Fourteen months before the last World Cup, Ireland set a significant precedent by traveling to New Zealand and securing a Test series win. This achievement, regarded by many as the pinnacle of the Andy Farrell era, saw Ireland triumph 2-1 with memorable victories in Dunedin and Wellington. The tour instilled great confidence in Farrell's squad, who went on to win 17 Tests consecutively, including a Grand Slam, before being defeated by the All Blacks in a notable World Cup quarter-final.
Now, four years later, parallels emerge. Ireland again travel to the southern hemisphere following a Six Nations campaign marked by four wins and a loss to France. However, this summer's fixtures are part of the inaugural Nations Championship, a new biennial competition featuring rugby's northern and southern hemisphere powerhouses.
Ireland's opening matches include games against Australia and Japan in Australia, followed by a test against New Zealand in Auckland.
Key Talking Points for Ireland
Easterby Anticipates Strong Challenge from Australia in Sydney
Bell Looks Forward to Reuniting with Longtime Teammates
Injury Concerns Impact Squad Selection
Injuries have sidelined several key players from Farrell's squad. Caelan Doris, who missed the previous year's Lions tour to Australia, is unavailable, leading to Dan Sheehan assuming the captaincy role. The front row is notably affected, with loose-head props Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, and Jack Boyle all injured. Forwards Ryan Baird and Edwin Edogbo are also absent, alongside backs Jack Crowley, Tommy O'Brien, and Mack Hansen.
Additionally, James Lowe's departure from Leinster and Irish rugby to pursue a career in Japan leaves a significant gap on the left wing.
Farrell has consistently viewed injuries as opportunities for other players to step up, and this summer's three-Test series will be no exception as he manages without some of his most trusted athletes.
Fly-Half Selection Dilemma
Jack Crowley's absence due to a blood vessel issue in his leg presents a selection challenge at fly-half. The position has seen competition recently: Sam Prendergast ended the autumn Tests as fly-half, but Crowley had reclaimed the role by the conclusion of the Six Nations.
Prendergast, aged 23, is noted for his excellent passing and vision, though defensive weaknesses remain a concern. He concluded the season strongly, aiding Leinster in retaining the United Rugby Championship title. Harry Byrne, 27, who was preferred over Prendergast during Leinster's Champions Cup final run, is also vying for a Test start after being an unused squad member in Farrell's last two selections. Byrne has started 15 games for Leinster this season but faced challenges in the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux.
Ciaran Frawley, two years removed from his notable performance against the Springboks in Durban, is set to move to Connacht after this window seeking more regular starts. Versatile across inside centre and full-back, starting against Australia would be a significant and emotional opportunity for the Sydney-born 28-year-old.
New Faces in the Squad
The squad includes five uncapped players: three from Connacht and two from Ulster. Connacht's strong finish to the season under Stuart Lancaster influenced Farrell's selections, including two props from the province.
Billy Bohan, a 20-year-old loose-head prop, was part of this year's Six Nations squad but did not earn a Test debut in the spring. His performances in the latter half of the season earned him a three-year senior contract with Connacht. Having made his senior debut just seven months ago, a first Ireland cap in the upcoming three weeks would mark a significant milestone for the Kildare native.
Sam Illo, who debuted for Connacht in January 2022, has progressed under Lancaster and will gain valuable experience as one of Tadhg Furlong's understudies this summer.
With Caelan Doris sidelined, Sean Jansen could make an impact. The New Zealand-born number eight has scored 12 tries for Connacht this season and ranks third in United Rugby Championship tackles made with 219.
Ulster's Ward brothers, Zac and Bryn, were called up following the withdrawals of Tommy O'Brien and Doris. Bryn was a non-playing member of the Six Nations squad, while Zac may compete with teammate Jacob Stockdale for the left wing position after scoring 15 tries this season.
Ulster Players to Build on Six Nations Success
If the Ward brothers can replicate even part of the impact their Ulster teammates had during the Six Nations, it would be a positive outcome. Leinster remains the primary contributor to the Ireland squad, but Ulster's influence grew notably during the Six Nations.
Stuart McCloskey was particularly outstanding, narrowly missing out on the player of the tournament award to France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Although McCloskey missed the end of Ulster's season due to a torn hamstring, reports from the Irish camp indicate positive progress regarding his fitness. If fully fit, he is expected to resume his role as a key attacking force.
Rob Baloucoune has also recovered from injury in time to continue his Test performances. The speedy winger excelled in the Six Nations and is likely to wear the number 14 jersey this month.
Tom O'Toole aims to secure significant game time after successfully transitioning from tight-head to loose-head prop during the Six Nations. Consistent back row player Nick Timoney will seek starting opportunities after four of his five appearances in the Triple Crown campaign were from the bench.
The summer could also be important for Nathan Doak and Cormac Izuchukwu, both of whom made their Six Nations debuts earlier this year.
Challenges Against the All Blacks in Auckland
On their last visit to Eden Park four years ago, Ireland were defeated 42-19.
Between 2016 and the end of the 2022 tour, Ireland won five of eight matches against New Zealand, including their first-ever victory in Chicago, several home wins, and the notable triumphs in Dunedin and Wellington. Since then, New Zealand has dominated, winning a World Cup match in Paris, a subsequent game in Dublin, and the Chicago rematch 26-13.
Ireland's loss at Soldier Field last year was followed by defeats to South Africa and France. As three of the top four nations in the world rankings, Ireland recognizes the significance of defeating the All Blacks.
To achieve this, Ireland must end New Zealand's 52-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The All Blacks' Auckland fortress has remained unbreached since France's 23-20 victory in 1994. In the 2022 series opener, New Zealand defeated Ireland 42-19 at Eden Park.
Following three consecutive losses and with the opportunity to break one of rugby's most storied records, Farrell's team will be highly motivated.
July Fixtures (Times BST)
- 4 July: Australia v Ireland, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 11:10 BST
- 11 July: Japan v Ireland, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, 11:10 BST
- 18 July: New Zealand v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland, 08:10 BST
Ireland Squad
Forwards (20): Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Billy Bohan (Connacht), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Sam Illo (Connacht), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Sean Jansen (Connacht), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Darragh Murray (Connacht), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster, captain), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Bryn Ward (Ulster)
Backs (16): Bundee Aki (Connacht), Rob Baloucoune (Ulster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Zac Ward (Ulster)
Understanding the Nations Championship
Gavin Andrews provides an explanation of the Nations Championship, the new competition bringing together rugby's northern and southern hemisphere giants in a biennial format.
Further information and analysis on Ireland's preparations and prospects in the upcoming Nations Championship.
