Ireland are reporting a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s crucial Test against New Zealand, with Rob Baloucone and Jeremy Loughman both set to be fit for the final Nations Championship game this summer.
Both players trained today at Kings College in Auckland, with all 36 members of Andy Farrell’s squad involved ahead of the game at Eden Park.
Baloucoune had been selected to start the opening game of this tour against Australia in Sydney, but pulled out with a hamstring issue, while Loughman suffered a head injury during the second half against the Wallabies, and was stood down for last week’s win against Japan.
Loughman will likely return to the Ireland bench for Saturday’s meeting with New Zealand, supplementing Tom O’Toole, who started the opening two games in the number 1 shirt, as Ireland look to become the first team since France in 1994 to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Baloucoune’s return will present Farrell with an interesting selection headache. Jimmy O’Brien took the Ulster’s wing’s spot for the opening two games, and has had two eye-catching performances.
Jamie Osborne started on the left wing against the Wallabies, and would be expected to be involved in some capacity against the All Blacks, while Bundee Aki looked like he was priming himself up nicely off the bench against Japan.
Attack coach Andrew Goodman (above) admits there is a lot to take into consideration this week.
“The form obviously comes into it,” Goodman said.
“There’s been some guys, like you say, Jimmy [O’Brien], there was much improved performance from him from Australia to Japan.
“It’s great to see Jacob [Stockdale] back who hadn’t played for eight to ten weeks with his injury at the end of the season for Ulster.
“To have Rob [Baloucoune] back training and fit, he obviously had an amazing Six Nations for us and we were looking forward to getting him going from week one.
“It’s a shame he pulled up with an injury, but he’s charging around training again today. It creates a healthy dilemma for us as coaches and some good discussions.”
Saturday’s game will be the last of a long and gruelling season for this Irish team, particularly for the many who would have been involved on last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
But Goodman insists there is no hint of fatigue in the group, especially considering the size of the challenge facing them in Auckland on Saturday.
“There’s been no mention of it. It feels like we’re just getting started,” he added.
“We’ve just got these guys back and it’s been great to be back in the saddle and doing what we love.
“But the boys have been great. Their energy has been great. As I said, there’s been no mention of end of year tour or season length or anything, so I’ve been really positive around the way the boys have fronted up to training every day.”
The Ireland squad have been training at King’s College in south Auckland this week
The last time Ireland were in New Zealand, they picked up their first ever wins away to the All Blacks in back-to-back weeks to claim an incredible 2-1 Test series.
A win this weekend would arguably top that achievement, given New Zealand’s 52-game unbeaten run at Eden Park, which has been running for 32 years.
And Goodman was asked if he takes it as a mark of respect that Dave Rennie’s side have reserved their fortress for the visit of Ireland this weekend.
“It’s special, any time to play New Zealand and to play at Eden Park. We know the history of the stadium and it’s probably the home of New Zealand rugby,” he replied.
“We’re really excited about being here and having the opportunity to go and put our best foot forward and to go and put a performance out there that we’re going to be really proud of.
“We’ve obviously got a few things we need to work on ourselves from the first couple of games and looking at the All Blacks around how we can stop the way they’re going to try and play the game.
“So it’s been about preparation, the mentality building every day. I know there’s a big narrative around the streak, but for us it’s around day-to-day preparation and making sure we get to a place where we can go and put our game on New Zealand at Eden Park.”
Ireland were beaten 42-19 when they last faced New Zealand at Eden Park in 2017
And as a New Zealand native, it’s that extra bit special to be bringing an Irish team back to his home country, as well as being able to enjoy the home comforts he might miss in Dublin.
“It’s amazing. Mum and my sister and nephew are all coming up tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to seeing some family and loved ones that I haven’t seen for a while.
“New Zealand flat whites are amazing, I’m sure you’ve been enjoying a few of those. I’ve been tucking into a few of those and just a few of the things I’ve missed while being over in New Ireland.
“I haven’t had any pies yet, but I’m looking forward to my first one!” the former Leinster out-half said.