Late arrival quick to earn selection
Paddy Wallace, who arrived in New Zealand only this week, has been named in Ireland’s side for their third and final test match against the All Blacks in Hamilton tomorrow night.
Wallace was named to partner captain Brian O’Driscoll in the centres for the match at Waikato Stadium after he was a late callup to the side following Gordon D’Arcy’s injury in the second test in Christchurch.
D’Arcy returned home after the 22-19 loss, with Wallace summoned from Ireland on Sunday.
Keith Earls, who played at second five-eighth in the first test at Eden Park but was ruled out of the second in Christchurch with a chest injury, has returned to the starting side. Earls moves to the left wing, with Andrew Trimble dropping to the replacements bench.
Peter O’Mahony, who came off the bench in Christchurch, will replace No 8 Jamie Heaslip, who was ruled out earlier this week with a broken finger.
Chris Henry has come into the matchday squad to replace O’Mahony on the bench.
Captain O’Driscoll and tighthead prop Mike Ross, who were monitored throughout the week after needing X-rays on facial injuries, have both been named in the starting side.
The All Blacks have already sealed the series, and made six changes to their starting lineup, but Ireland still have a chance to end their drought against the New Zealanders.
Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks in 26 matches, a run stretching back to 1905, though the world champions suffered a huge scare in Christchurch, needing an 80th-minute drop goal from first five-eighth Daniel Carter to secure victory.