RugbyU: O'Brien Only Change To Irish History-making Side

DUBLIN, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2016 ) - Experienced flanker Sean O'Brien is the only change to the Ireland starting XV for Saturday's mouthwatering rematch with wounded world champions New Zealand from the side that beat them in Chicago a fortnight ago.

The 29-year-old gets the nod with Jordi Murphy -- one of the try scorers in the historic 40-29 victory over the All Blacks -- out injured. Whilst coach Joe Schmidt was willing to risk the injury-plagued O'Brien, he found no room for another star flanker Peter O'Mahony even on the bench despite an impressive return to the international fold in last week's victory over Canada.

Schmidt will be relieved his first choice scrum-half Conor Murray shook off a hamstring problem and can continue his impressive partnership with fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who together ran the show in Chicago.

Schmidt also found room for centre Garry Ringrose on the bench after he impressed against Canada and is touted as being potentially as great a talent as the retired icon Brian O'Driscoll. Victory on Saturday at Lansdowne Road for the hosts would be the first time since South Africa in 2009 the All Blacks have lost successive Tests to the same opposition.

Team (15-1): Rob Kearney; Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, CJ Stander; Devin Toner, Donnacha Ryan; Tadgh Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Jack McGrath Replacements (16-23): Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh Van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Garry Ringrose