Ioane Returns for Ireland Clash
All Blacks Recall Rieko Ioane for Ireland Clash Amid Injury Woes, Boosted by Key Returns
Key Points
Josh Moorby was named as a debutant replacement for Leroy Carter after Carter’s AC joint injury sustained in the Italy match, marking Moorby’s first involvement as outside-back cover.
Luke Jacobson, who was withdrawn at halftime against Italy, has been cleared to return and is fit to play in the Ireland Test, providing depth to the loose forward mix.
Ioane’s sabbatical with Leinster included winning the United Rugby Championship, underscoring his experience return during a busy period for the All Blacks.
Left wing Leroy Carter was injured in the Italy test and, as of the latest updates, appears unlikely to be available for the Ireland Test, reinforcing Ioane’s role as outside-back cover.
Rieko Ioane is back in the All Blacks camp, recalled as injury cover ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Ireland at Eden Park. Planet Rugby reports that wing Leroy Carter injured his AC joint in the Italy match, while fellow outside back Fehi Fineanganofo is also nursing a shoulder problem, forcing coach Dave Rennie to act fast.
Team selection is due on Thursday, with kick-off set for 7:10pm Saturday. The match could shape the early standings in the Nations Championship, making New Zealand's injury management a key storyline heading into the weekend.
Ioane Returns After Leinster Sabbatical with Timing
Ioane's recall is notable because he had been on sabbatical with Irish province Leinster earlier this season. He did not sit idle — he won the United Rugby Championship with them. Read Rugby Union notes his omission from Rennie's initial squad was followed by an invite to train with the group, signaling the door was never fully closed.
Rennie flagged that he needed continued outside-back cover, and Ioane was the logical answer. The 28-year-old brings significant Test experience to a back line suddenly short of options on the wings.
Carter Likely Out, Moorby Steps In as Debutant Cover
Carter's AC joint injury, picked up against Italy, looks set to rule him out of the Ireland Test. In his place, Josh Moorby has been named as a replacement — marking the young back's first involvement with the senior All Blacks squad. Read Rugby Union confirmed Moorby's call-up as outside-back cover while Carter's availability remains uncertain.
Fineanganofo's shoulder problem adds further pressure to New Zealand's wing stocks. With two starting-caliber outside backs unavailable or doubtful, Ioane's return shifts from a surprise to a necessity in a matter of days.
Jacobson Fit, Tuipulotu Ready, Barrett Ruled Out of Tour
There is better news in the forwards. Luke Jacobson, who was pulled at halftime during the Italy match as a precaution, has been cleared to play. Patrick Tuipulotu is also fit. Both men strengthen a New Zealand pack that will need to be at its best against Ireland. Planet Rugby confirmed both players are available for selection.
Former captain Scott Barrett will not be so fortunate. Rennie confirmed Barrett will not recover in time to join the All Blacks' upcoming tour to South Africa. His absence leaves a gap in the locking options, though Tuipulotu's fitness softens that blow for now.
Ireland Test at Eden Park Sets Up High-Stakes Clash
Saturday's match at Eden Park is more than a standalone fixture. A win could give either side an early grip on the Nations Championship standings. Ireland arrive with momentum, and New Zealand will need a settled team to match them. Rennie's squad announcements on Thursday will confirm who is fit and who missed the cut.
The 7:10pm kick-off gives fans a prime-time showdown. With Ioane potentially back on the wing and the pack bolstered by Jacobson and Tuipulotu, the All Blacks look better equipped than the injury news from earlier in the week suggested. Planet Rugby noted that Rennie is focused on finding the right balance across the squad for a tough Irish challenge.
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