Caelan Doris Set for Potential Return as Ireland Captain for Crucial All Blacks Showdown
Caelan Doris may reclaim his position as captain of the Irish rugby team for the upcoming match against New Zealand on November 1st. The number 8 has been sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery in May. Although he missed the Lions tour to Australia, Doris has resumed training with Leinster and is set to join the Ireland squad traveling to Chicago for the crucial showdown.
Upcoming Matches for Ireland
The Irish team has a busy schedule ahead, starting with the match against the All Blacks. Following this encounter, they will return to Dublin to face Japan on November 8th, Australia on November 15th, and South Africa on November 22nd. These matches will take place at the Aviva Stadium.
Injury Updates and Squad Changes
In preparation for the upcoming games, Ireland’s scrum coach, John Fogarty, provided updates on Doris’s condition. “He did some modified contact last week and looks really, really good,” Fogarty stated. With crucial sessions scheduled for the upcoming days, the coaching staff hopes to assess Doris’s readiness for the match against New Zealand.
In contrast, the Ireland team has had to deal with injuries. Mack Hansen will not participate due to a foot injury sustained during Connacht’s recent match. As a result, Tom Farrell from Munster and Jimmy O’Brien from Leinster have been added to the squad as replacements.
Recent Performance and Coaching Insights
The recent match where Munster triumphed over Leinster highlighted areas of concern for the Irish team. Munster’s victory at Croke Park marked their first win against Leinster since the 2022/23 URC semi-final. Despite their lackluster performance, the coaching staff is optimistic about elevating the players’ performance levels before facing New Zealand.
Fogarty expressed confidence in players like Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan, stating that they are clear about their goals. He emphasized the importance of a robust training regimen as the Irish squad prepares for a challenging encounter with New Zealand, ranked second in the world.
Inevitability of Progress
With a history of an even rivalry—both teams having won five matches since their first meeting in 2016—players are aware of the stakes. New Zealand has emerged victorious in the last two contests, including a recent game at the Aviva Stadium.
Fogarty concluded by acknowledging the critical nature of the upcoming matches. “It’s an immense challenge and opportunity for these players to represent Ireland,” he remarked, alluding to their responsibilities donning the green jersey in front of their home fans.
