Geordan Murphy to lead Ireland against All Blacks
Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy will captain his country for the first time in their second tour match against New Zealand Maori on Friday.
The 32-year-old captained Leicester Tigers to the defence of their Guinness Premiership crown this season and will lead out the Irish on his 68th cap in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll, who is rested after the 66-28 defeat to the All-Blacks.
Meanwhile, head coach Declan Kidney hands debut senior starts to Ulster No.8 Chris Henry and blindside flanker Rhys Ruddock – son of former Wales coach Mike – who has flown in from Argentina where he was leading his country in the IRB Under 20 World Cup.
Hooker John Fogarty and second row Dan Touhy remain in the pack after making their debuts on Saturday while Shane Horgan will kick-start his tour after recovering from a stomach bug.
Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Shane Horgan, Gavin Duffy, Paddy Wallace, Johne Murphy, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan, Marcus Horan, John Fogarty, Tom Court, Ed O’Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Rhys Ruddock, Niall Ronan, Chris Henry.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, John Hayes, Donncha O’Callaghan, David Wallace, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara, Rob Kearney.
[Info from Sportsbeat]
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