All Blacks v Ireland: Bundee Aki promoted in lone change to Ireland for third test at Wellington

  • 14/07/2022

Coach Andy Farrell has made just one change to the Ireland starting XV to face the All Blacks in the decisive third test at Wellington on Saturday.

NZ-born Bundee Aki will claim the No. 12 jersey in place of Garry Ringrose, who's been ruled out with injury.

Ringrose suffered a concussion from his head-to-head hit with Angus Ta'avao at Forsyth Barr Stadium - which earned the All Blacks prop a red card - and has entered the mandatory 12-day stand-down period.

The team is otherwise identical from that which earned a convincing second-test victory at Dunedin last weekend, as Ireland understandably look to stick with a proven winning formula.

All Blacks v Ireland: Bundee Aki promoted in lone change to Ireland for third test at Wellington
Photo credit: Getty Images/Newshub.

In a huge boost to the team's chances, standout flanker Peter O'Mahony has been cleared to play, after injury had threatened to end his tour prematurely.

Wing Keith Earls is the only new addition to the bench, moving in to replace the promoted Aki.

The All Blacks announced four changes to their starting line-up, including the return of talismanic lock Sam Whitelock from injury. High-profile rugby league convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also poised to make his test debut, after being named on the bench.

Ireland: 1-Andrew Porter, 2-Dan Sheehan, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Tadhg Beirne, 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris, 9-Jamison Gibson-Park, 10-Johnny Sexton, 11-James Lowe, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 13-Bundee Aki, 14-Mack Hansen, 15-Hugo Keenan

Reserves: 16-Rob Herring, 17-Cian Healy, 18-Finlay Bealham, 19-Kieran Tredwell, 20-Jack Conan, 21-Conor Murray, 22-Joey Carberry, 23-Keith Earls

Join Newshub from 7pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Ireland series decider