Ireland vs New Zealand: All Blacks player profiles

John O’Sullivan tells us what to expect from the visitors ahead of Saturday’s Aviva clash

Ardie Savea and Dalton Papalii line up in the All Blacks backrow. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
Ardie Savea and Dalton Papalii line up in the All Blacks backrow. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho

15 Jordie Barrett

Age: 24
Height: 95kgs (14st 13lbs)
Weight: 6'4"
Caps: 34
Points: 178

The younger of the two Barrett brothers, he possesses a huge boot, good aerial presence and excellent footwork for such a big man.

14 Will Jordan

Age: 23
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 90kgs (14st 11lbs)
Caps: 11
Points: 80

Continuing a proud tradition of New Zealand wings who rack-up tries by the truck-load, 16 and counting, the latest against Wales showcased his consummate ability and pace.

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13 Rieko Ioane

Age: 24
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 103kgs (16st 3lbs)
Caps: 45
Points: 150

Ostensibly a wing, he has adapted well to the role of outside centre when called upon to play there, winning three of his last five caps in the midfield. He’s powerful and quick.

12 Anton Lienert-Brown

Age: 26
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 96kgs (15st 1lb)
Caps: 55
Points: 60

He won his battle with David Havili for the inside centre role. He reads the game intelligently on both sides of the ball and is in a rich try scoring vein, three in his last four caps.

11 Sevu Reece

Age: 24
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 87kgs (13st 9lbs)
Caps: 16
Points: 65

Small in stature - New Zealand will look to hide him for the aerial duels - he is explosively quick with good footwork and a poacher’s instincts.

10 Beauden Barrett

Age: 30
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 91kgs (14st 5lbs)
Caps: 100
Points: 703

Twice the World Player of the Year (2016, 2017) he is a brilliant footballer but from mid July 2019 he started more games as a fullback than outhalf. He recently won back the starting 10 jersey from Richie Mo’unga.

9 TJ Perenara

Age: 29
Height: 6'
Weight: 90kgs (14st 2lbs)
Caps: 77
Points: 80

This will be just the 22nd time that he has started a Test match and he usually fulfils the back-up role to Aaron Smith. Perenara is a key facilitator in mixing up the point of attack and a strong presence on the fringes.

1 Joe Moody

Age: 33
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 120kgs (18st 13lbs)
Caps: 55
Points: 25

The former age grade rugby league player and wrestler took over from Tony Woodcock as the All Blacks premier loosehead in 2014 and has been first choice for the big matches since.

2 Codie Taylor

Age: 30
Height: 6'
Weight: 108kgs (17st)
Caps: 65
Points: 70

Grew up in Australia playing Rugby League, the powerful hooker is noted for his work in the set piece as well as a presence around the pitch.

3 Nepo Laulala

Age: 30
Height: 6'
Weight: 116kgs (18st 3lbs)
Caps: 38
Points: 0

Respected for his scrum work, the Samoan born tighthead is a younger brother of former All Black and Munster centre Casey. He’s happy to grind away but is comfortable when the game opens up.

4 Brodie Retallick

Age: 30
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 123kgs (19st 5lbs)
Caps: 90
Points: 30

The perfect foil for his engine room partner, tough and abrasive, he is content to stand toe-to-toe with anyone on a pitch while also possessing all the qualities of a top class lock.

5 Sam Whitelock (capt)

Age: 33
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 117kgs (18st 5lbs)
Caps: 130
Points: 30

The prototype modern secondrow, strong and athletic with the game reading and captaincy smarts to complement those physical qualities. He remains one of the game’s finest.

6 Ethan Blackadder

Age: 26
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 111kgs (17st 6lbs)
Caps: 8
Points: 0

The Crusaders flanker has followed in the footsteps of his father Todd as an All Black and has managed to hang onto the jersey his making his debut earlier this year.

7 Dalton Papalii

Age: 24
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 113kgs (17st 11lbs)
Caps: 11
Points: 20

Noted for his tackling skills he can play as either flanker to supplement his strong running and handling skills. His favourite player is Wallaby captain Michael Hooper.

8 Ardie Savea

Age: 28
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 99kgs (15st 8lbs)
Caps: 57
Points: 70

He became the 70th man to lead an All Blacks team when he did so against Australia. He’s a leader in every aspect of his work on a pitch and an outstanding rugby player.