Ireland could be without experienced prop Tadhg Furlong for their Autumn Nations Series fixture with the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.
According to a report, the 31-year-old star has suffered an injury and is set to be absent for the Dublin clash in a significant setback for head coach Andy Farrell.
The42.ie state Furlong could miss the mouth-watering match and if that is the case then Connacht prop Finlay Bealham would be the likely replacement up front.
Furlong ruled out?
If Bealham does get the nod in the number three spot then Ulster’s Tom O’Toole is set for a bench role in what is a 2023 World Cup rematch against the All Blacks.
Ireland head coach Farrell is expected to announce his team to face New Zealand at 2pm on Wednesday while New Zealand will unveil their side at 4pm local time.
Farrell has several selection headaches ahead of the fixture, not least whether to stick with Tadhg Beirne at blindside flank ahead of veteran Peter O’Mahony, 35.
Hooker has been a problem area in terms of injuries in the lead-up to the game, with Dan Sheehan and Rob Herring out but Ronan Kelleher is expected to be fit.
In the backline Farrell must decide whether to keep Calvin Nash on the right wing or recall Mack Hansen while Jacob Stockdale has been in great form for Ulster.
Elsewhere, the settled side pretty much picks itself as Hugo Keenan’s return from Sevens duty is a welcome fillip ahead of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series charge.
De Groot recall
Meanwhile, New Zealand are expected to recall prop Ethan De Groot for Friday’s game after he missed the Test with England due to a breach of their team protocols.
As mentioned, Ireland and New Zealand last clashed in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris, which the All Blacks famously won 28-24 at the Stade de France.
After facing the All Blacks, Ireland will take on Argentina (Friday, November 15), Fiji (Saturday, November 23) and then finally Australia on Saturday, November 30.
