Ireland v New Zealand: Ireland player profiles

15 Rob Kearney

Club: Leinster
Age: 32
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 95kg (14st 13lb)
Caps: 86

Kearney played in every game of the successful Six Nations campaigns of 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018 as well as the win in Chicago. Ireland need him to rule the skies against the All Blacks.

14 Keith Earls

Club: Munster
Age: 31
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 87kg (13st 9lbs)
Caps: 71

Was solid against Argentina despite not getting the ball or space he craves, with Ireland often too narrow in attack. Performs his defensive duties with quiet efficiency.

All Blacks fear factor remains for Ireland coach Schmidt

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Ireland v New Zealand: all you need to know

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Ireland v New Zealand: New Zealand player profiles

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Leinster’s Joe Tomane ruled out for up to five months

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13 Garry Ringrose

Club: Leinster
Age: 23
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 94kg (14st 11lbs)
Caps: 15

His return is a major boon, especially given Robbie Henshaw’s absence. O’Driscoll-esque with the ball in hand, his defensive reads will be of equal importance against the world champions.

12 Bundee Aki

Club: Connacht
Age: 28
Height: 6'
Weight: 101kg (15st 12lbs)
Caps: 11

Henshaw's injury has spared Joe Schmidt a serious selection headache - fearsome yet nimble, Aki carried superbly against Los Pumas, and he could make a big statement against his Kiwi compatriots.

11 Jacob Stockdale

Club: Ulster
Age: 22
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 103kg (16st 3lbs)
Caps: 13

Like Earls, he was on the periphery for large parts of the Argentina win as Ireland struggled to get him involved. His electric finishing ability and strength in the air will be key.

10 Jonathan Sexton

Club: Leinster
Age: 33
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 92kg (14st 6lbs)
Caps: 77

If Sexton - Ireland's beating heart - delivers on Saturday, then Ireland have every chance. No Conor Murray means his kicking and game management must be perfect, which they usually are.

9 Kieran Marmion

Club: Connacht
Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 85kg (13st 5lbs)
Caps: 23

What a test this is for Marmion, and what an opportunity. Sharp passing, clever and accurate kicking and alertness round the fringes will allow him to hold his own and more.

1 Cian Healy

Age: 31
Club: Leinster
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 106kg (18st 1lb)
Caps: 82

Back to his best with the ball in hand - more streamlined but just as destructive. He knows he can empty himself for 50 minutes before Jack McGrath comes on for the crescendo.

2 Rory Best

Club: Ulster
Age: 36
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 106kg (16st 9lbs)
Caps: 112

The Irish lineout stuttered against Argentina and he struggled to have much of an influence on the floor - that said, it would be premature to write him off and his experience is invaluable.

3 Tadhg Furlong

Club: Leinster
Age: 25
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 126kg (19st 11lbs)
Caps: 27

Furlong has played five of his 30 Irish and Lions Tests against the All Blacks - winning two, losing two and drawing one. The world’s best tighthead can swing that brilliant record in his favour on Saturday night.

4 Devin Toner

Club: Leinster
Age: 32
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 124kg (19st 7lb)
Caps: 62

Toner’s return to shore up the Irish lineout and restarts is vital on a night when all systems must run smoothly. A fascinating battle with twin totems Retallick and Whitelock awaits.

5 James Ryan

Club: Leinster
Age: 22
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 108kg (17st)
Caps: 12

Man of the match against Argentina, it is already clear Ryan is heading for greatness. His tackling is as relentless as his ball-carrying, where he blends power with improbably cute footwork.

6 Peter O’Mahony

Club: Munster
Age: 29
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 107kg (16st 11lbs)
Caps: 51

If the All Blacks are to beat Ireland their pack must be prepared to enter the trenches with Munster’s dog of war. His work on the ground and jumping at the lineout will be crucial.

7 Josh van der Flier

Club: Leinster
Age: 25
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 104kg (16st 5lbs)
Caps: 11

Promoted to the starting line-up after Dan Leavy’s withdrawal through injury, the Leinster openside is in fine form for his province but will face a huge task if Ireland are to get parity in the back row.

8 CJ Stander

Club: Munster
Age: 28
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 114kg (17st 13lbs)
Caps: 27

Stander topped the carry charts with 18 against Argentina. Relentless in attack and defence, he is becoming more subtle with the ball in hand as he matures on the international stage.