Rugby: McCloskey named to start for Ireland against All Blacks

Ulster's Stuart McCloskey has been named in the Ireland starting line-up to take on New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday.

He'll partner Garry Ringrose in the midfield, while club-mate Iain Henderson is amongst the replacements. There is on place Ulster's Jacob Stockdale or Nick Timoney in the matchday 23.

Dan Sheehan captains the side for the second time, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.

Farrell has named Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the Ireland back three, with McCloskey alongside Ringrose in midfield. Jack Crowley is selected to start at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, and a back row of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at number eight completing Ireland’s starting XV.

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki provide the backline reinforcements.

Looking ahead to the game, Farrell said: “It's a real privilege to be back here in Chicago ahead of a huge game against New Zealand. We’ve been received brilliantly by the local community and there are going to be thousands of Irish supporters cheering us on which is something that will inspire the team.

"The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions and we’re expecting more of the same on Saturday."

Ireland team to play New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago, Saturday November 1 (8.10pm)

15-9: Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), James Lowe (Leinster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1-8: Andrew Porter (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster) (C), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster)

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht)