Arizona Tribune - Farrell sticks with winning formula as Hansen passed fit

Both wings, Mack Hansen and James Lowe, have recovered from calf and eye injuries respectively -- though Jimmy O'Brien provides cover for either of them on the bench.

Hansen was the biggest concern of the two wingers for a match that could send Ireland into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Having gone off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in the first half against the Scots he returned but almost immediately left for good having felt a twinge in his calf.

"He is fully fit to go, yeah," said Farrell of Hansen at the press conference following the announcement of the team.

"He obviously had a few things to do at the beginning of the week but he's coming good and everyone's very confident that he's going to be fine for the game, no problem."

O'Brien -- who was unavailable for the first two pool matches due to an injury he suffered in the last warm-up match against Samoa -- comes in for Stuart McCloskey on the replacements bench.

The 26-year-old can cover wing whereas Ulsterman McCloskey is a specialist centre.

"There's one thing about Jimmy O'Brien, he is unbelievably smart, nice and cool and calm and collected, unbelievably fit and unbelievably good at fitting in in numerous different positions," said Farrell.

"With the disruption we had at the start of the week it made more sense for us to go with that option."

O'Brien is one of two changes on the replacements bench, with Joe McCarthy coming in for fellow lock James Ryan, who has a wrist injury but the team is hopeful he will be able to return if they reach the semi-finals.

"James Ryan, he's out with a wrist injury that's being sorted. We expect him as well to be fit for next week if we are able to get that far," Farrell added.

The Irish are seeking their 18th successive Test victory.

The All Blacks whipped them 46-14 at the same stage in Japan in the 2019 World Cup but are seeking revenge after a historic home series loss to the Irish in 2022.

Only six of the starting XV began the 2019 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand; Garry Ringrose, captain Johnny Sexton, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony and world player of the year Josh van der Flier.

Unlike Ireland, the New Zealanders have lost a match at this World Cup -- to hosts France in the opening game.

South Africa also lost a game in 2019, also to New Zealand, before going on to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.

The All Blacks are due to name their team on Thursday.

Team (15-1)

Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O'Mahony; Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O'Brien

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

A.Clark--AT