Ireland get physical as All Blacks opener nears

The Irish team have ramped up their preparations ahead of the crunch test against New Zealand in Auckland.

The management reported no fresh injury concerns after an intensive session at the team’s training base at the Onewa Domain on Auckland’s scenic North Shore.

Mike Ross, a major doubt for Saturday’s test, took a limited part in training and did some light running with Irish fitness coach Cameron Steele. The rest of the front row contingent took part in scrummaging practice as well as some “live” scrummaging. Declan Fitzpatrick packed down with Rory Best and Cian Healy for most of the session in what appears to be the starting trio to face the All Blacks. Connacht tighthead Ronan Loughney, who can also be on loosehead, is set to be named on the bench after impressing the Irish management with his technique and workrate.

Meanwhile, Paul Marshall insists he is not on tour just to make up the numbers. The uncapped Ulster scrum-half was a late call-up for the injured Isaac Boss and although he is third-choice behind Eoin Reddan and Conor Murray, the rookie halfback hopes to make an impression.

“Those are the guys that have been in the slots for the last year or two,” said Marshall on his scrum-half rivals. “I’d be lying if I said I’d be happy to be here just to watch. I want to play, that’s got to be your goal.”