Covid fears disrupt Ireland build-up for New Zealand

Tadhg Furlong with forwards coach Simon Easterby during Ireland's captain's run at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Whether you are a player or coach in the Ireland camp, the prospect of facing New Zealand represents the ultimate test of your abilities to compete at the highest level.

So to do so having faced the sort of disruption Andy Farrell’s squad and staff have experienced in the last 24 hours only increases the challenge of delivering a performance that builds on the progress already made and gives the best side in the world a run for their money at a sell-out Aviva Stadium this afternoon.