Baloucoune starts as Ireland recall key men to face All Blacks

Ireland wing Baloucoune returns for All Blacks TestImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Baloucoune scored three tries in a breakout Six Nations campaign earlier this yearByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished1 minute agoCommentsFit-again wing Robert Baloucoune returns to the Ireland line-up for Saturday's much-anticipated Nations Championship game against New Zealand in Auckland. Baloucoune, who won the Six Nations Rising Player award after starring in Ireland's Triple Crown campaign earlier this year, missed the wins over Australia and Japan with a hamstring issue. Head coach Andy Farrell recalls a host of key players after fielding a heavily rotated in last week's 36-20 victory over Japan, with the return of captain Dan Sheehan, prop Tadhg Furlong and fly-half Sam Prendergast among nine changes.Tom O'Toole, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Stuart McCloskey and Jimmy O'Brien are the six players retained in the line-up. Having beaten the Wallabies and Brave Blossoms, Ireland aim to round out the southern hemisphere leg of their Nations Championship campaign with a statement win at Eden Park (08:10 BST). The All Blacks, who beat France and Italy in their first two games, have not lost at the Auckland venue since 1994, a run of 52 Tests. Ireland seek 1% margins to topple fortress Eden ParkPublished1 day agoIreland genuinely believe they can beat us - RenniePublished2 days agoO'Brien gets the nod at left wingHaving selected four debutants in an experimental squad against Japan last week, Farrell has picked a side loaded with experience for the trip to Eden Park. Hugo Keenan, outstanding against Australia, returns at full-back with O'Brien shifting wings to the left to accommodate Baloucoune's return. Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale, who started on the left wing against Australia and Japan, are not included in the matchday squad.Garry Ringrose partners McCloskey in midfield as Robbie Henshaw drops out, whil...