McCloskey in for Hume, but Farrell won't rule Sexton out of second Test

The Ireland head coach suggested his fly-half would not necessarily be subjected to the new stand-down period of 12 days as he passed a HIA post-match.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton looks on during the second half after going off injured

Andy Farrell has not ruled out Ireland captain Johnny Sexton from facing New Zealand in next week’s second Test in Dunedin, despite appearing to have failed his initial Head Injury Assessment during Saturday’s series-opening defeat.

Ireland were soundly beaten by the All Blacks on Saturday at Eden Park, losing the series opener 42-19 as the home side maintained their 28-year unbeaten record at the Auckland Stadium. Yet Ireland lost their skipper nine minutes before half-time after his head was hit by opposing captain Sam Cane. Sexton watched the second half from the Ireland bench as Sky Sports in New Zealand reported he had failed his HIA.