Ireland brings Toner, Kearney back in to face All Blacks

DUBLIN: Ireland has bolstered its lineout and defence under the high ball by bringing lock Devin Toner and fitagain Rob Kearney back into its side to face New Zealand in Sunday’s clash of the world’s top two sides.

Twotimes Six Nations Grand Slam winner Kearney, one of the game’s best defenders under a high ball, returns at fullback in place of 21yearold Jordan Larmour, who drops back to the bench after struggling under a barrage of towering Argentinian kicks last week.

Ireland’s lineout also malfunctioned in the lacklustre 2817 win over Argentina, and coach Joe Schmidt will call on all 2.08metres (6 foot 8 inches) of Toner to rectify that, with one of the most reliable players of his tenure coming in for Iain Henderson.

The only two other changes were enforced, with Garry Ringrose — another key man returning to fitness — and Dan Leavy coming in at centre and flanker for the injured pair of Robbie Henshaw and Sean O’Brien.

Ireland, which moved up to second place in the world rankings during last season’s victori ous Six Nations campaign, will be looking for only its second victory over the All Blacks — one that would lay down a major marker ahead of next year’s World Cup.

‘‘It’s always an achievement to beat the All Blacks, that’s why we limit ourselves to once every 115 years because we don’t want to get carried away with things,’’ Schmidt, a New Zealander, joked, referring to Ireland’s 4029 victory two years ago.

‘‘When they first arrived (in Ireland) in 1905, they were incredibly tough to knock over and I don’t think they’ve changed too much. The depth of their experience, it is formidable and it would be a huge feather in these players’ cap if they could topple them on Saturday.’’ — Reuters