MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 13:25:54| >> :600:1062705:1062705:

Simon Zebo and Declan Fitzpatrick set for Ireland debuts

Declan Kidney will hand Simon Zebo and Declan Fitzpatrick their Ireland debuts on Saturday, while Brian O'Driscoll returns to face the All Blacks.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney will give debuts to Simon Zebo and Declan Fitzpatrick when they face New Zealand in the first Test on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick will replace the injured Mike Ross at tighthead prop, while Zebo will play wing with Fergus McFadden taking his place on the opposite flank. Brian O'Driscoll also makes his return after missing the Six Nations with a trapped nerve.

Dan Touhy is set to make his first start for the Irish while Jonathan Sexton will start at number 10 with Connor Murray behind the scrum.

Kidney wants Ireland to be at their best for the World Cup winners.

"I think when you're playing the world champions in their own back yard, first game after the World Cup you need to be at the top of your game," he said.

"There are no secrets about that. But we believe that if we do that then we are in with a good shout."

Ireland face New Zealand at Eden Park at 8.35am (GMT) on Saturday.

ID:30046: cacheID:30046:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2505:
Written by
Matt Cotton
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Declan Kidney
Read Next:
Kidney disappointed with performance
>