Fit-again wing Robert Baloucoune is set to start for Ireland against New Zealand in Auckland, marking his return after a hamstring injury. Head coach Andy Farrell has recalled key players, including captain Dan Sheehan, prop Tadhg Furlong, and fly-half Sam Prendergast, making nine changes to the squad that faced Japan.

Baloucoune, who earned the Six Nations Rising Player award, will feature alongside Jimmy O'Brien on the left wing. Nine players, including Sheehan, Furlong, and Prendergast, are back in the starting XV. Ireland, aiming for a statement win at Eden Park, have won six consecutive matches but have a challenging record against the All Blacks, including recent losses in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and encounters in Dublin and Chicago. They aim to replicate their historic 2022 series victory in New Zealand.

Key changes see Hugo Keenan return at full-back, with Garry Ringrose partnering Stuart McCloskey in midfield. The pack is bolstered by the return of Furlong and Sheehan, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne also reinstated. The bench includes experienced options like Bundee Aki and Ciaran Frawley. Ireland's last visit to Eden Park in 2022 resulted in a 42-19 defeat, but they aim to overcome this history.