Crowley Restored at 10 as Injuries Hit Ireland

Andy Farrell has named an experienced Ireland side for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago, restoring Jack Crowley to the starting No.10 berth and naming Dan Sheehan as captain. Crowley was preferred to Sam Prendergast after a strong start to the season with Munster and following a year of alternating starts that the 25-year-old says aided his development. Caelan Doris returns to the matchday 23 and will be eased in from the bench after shoulder surgery, while Jack Conan starts at No.8 despite limited recent game time. Injuries to Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy have forced changes across the back three and second row, with Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Ryan promoted into the matchday squad. Farrell, back from Lions duties, has leaned on a forward pack containing many former Lions to cover early-season rust as Ireland rekindle their rivalry with the All Blacks.