Ireland Confident Ahead of All Blacks Test, Assures Coach John Fogarty

As Ireland prepares for its upcoming match against New Zealand, the team faces significant challenges due to injuries. Key players Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen will miss the game as they recover from foot injuries. Additionally, centres Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki are uncertainties for the match, with Henshaw dealing with a groin issue and Aki facing a hip concern.

Coach John Fogarty Remains Optimistic

Despite these setbacks, coach John Fogarty is optimistic about captain Caelan Doris’s availability. Doris has been sidelined since early May following shoulder surgery, which also kept him from participating in the British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia.

Doris’s Progress

Fogarty shared that Doris has returned to training, engaging in modified contact drills last week. The coach noted, “He’s in great form, he’s fizzing away.” He highlighted Doris’s positive attitude and his interactions with teammates, indicating a strong state of mind.

The coach expressed confidence in Doris’s potential to play, contingent upon his performance during the upcoming training sessions. “If he’s in those games, then we’ll see where he’s at for New Zealand,” Fogarty said. With two or three sessions planned before the match, the team is hopeful for a strong performance.

Upcoming Matches and Challenges

Following the clash with New Zealand, Ireland’s schedule includes challenging encounters against Japan, Australia, and South Africa in Dublin. These matches form part of Ireland’s autumn campaign, crucial for building momentum in international rugby.