Ireland wait on Murphy

Ireland have a worry over full-back Geordan Murphy ahead of Saturday's second Test against New Zealand in Auckland. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

Ireland have a worry over full-back Geordan Murphy ahead of Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand in Auckland.

Coach Eddie O’Sullivan has named the same side which lost 34-23 to the All Blacks in Hamilton on Saturday.

However, O’Sullivan has named only six replacements as he awaits a report on British & Irish Lion Murphy’s fitness.

New Zealand have brought lock Troy Flavell, flanker Jerome Kaino and centre Casey Laulala into their starting XV.

Greg Rawlinson and Ma’a Nonu move to the bench while Marty Holah has been dropped from the squad, to be replaced by Craig Newby.

Andrew Hore takes over Anton Oliver’s spot as replacement hooker, with the Otago captain heading to Argentina on Thursday.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "Changes have always been part of the plan for this series.

"One of our goals has been to see a lot of players on the park, so this is part of a process. The challenge is to make sure our performance continues to improve while we make changes."

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Byron Kelleher; Clarke Dermody, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Troy Flavell, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So’oialo.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Greg Rawlinson, Craig Newby, Jimmy Cowan, David Hill, Ma’a Nonu.

Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll (captain), Gordon D’Arcy, Andrew Trimble, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Neil Best, David Wallace, Denis Leamy.

Reserves: Rory Best, Bryan Young, Mick O’Driscoll, Keith Gleeson, Isaac Boss, Girvan Dempsey, one to be named.

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