Murphy fit to face All Blacks

Geordan Murphy will start at fullback for Ireland's second Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday morning after passing…

Geordan Murphy will start at fullback for Ireland's second Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday morning after passing a late fitness test.

The Leicester back was struggling with an achilles injury but came through training during the week and the Captain's Run in Auckland Grammar School with no reaction.

Leinster winger Denis Hickie will therefore take his place on the bench for the game.

Ireland, who have not won a test against New Zealand in 19 internationals spanning 101 years, led the All Blacks 23-15 with 25 minutes remaining in the first test in Hamilton before a late Troy Flavell try sealed a 34-23 win for the home side in Hamilton last Saturday.

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Ireland complete their southern hemisphere tour when they play Australia in Perth on June 24th.

Ireland Team

Player Club Caps

15 - Geordan Murphy Leicester 40

14 - Shane Horgan Lansdowne/Leinster 46

13 - Brian O'Driscoll (Captain) Blackrock College/Leinster 65

12 - Gordon D'Arcy Lansdowne/Leinster 21

11 - Andrew Trimble Ballymena/Ulster 7

10 - Ronan O'Gara Cork Constitution/Munster 61

9 - Peter Stringer Shannon/Munster 67

1 - Marcus Horan Shannon/Munster 38

2 - Jerry Flannery Shannon/Munster 7

3 - John Hayes Bruff/Munster 63

4 - Donncha O'Callaghan Cork Constitution/Munster 25

5 - Paul O'Connell Young Munster/Munster 34

6 - Neil Best Belfast Harlequins/Ulster 3

7 - David Wallace Garryowen/Munster 28

8 - Denis Leamy Cork Constitution/Munster 12

Replacements:

16 - Rory Best Belfast Harlequins/Ulster 3

17 - Bryan Young Ballymena/Ulster 0

18 - Mick O'Driscoll Cork Constitution/Munster 5

19 - Keith Gleeson St.Mary's College/Leinster 24

20 - Isaac Boss Ballymena/Ulster 0

21 - Denis Hickie St.Mary's College/Leinster 51

22 - Girvan Dempsey Terenure College/Leinster 64