Keith Earls to lead Ireland against Maori All Blacks

Andy Farrell also gave a positive report on Peter O’Mahony’s progress through his return to play protocols following a failed Head Injury Assessment during Saturday’s second Test.

LEADERSHIP MATERIAL: “It gave me a lot of pleasure asking him to do it; he is a proud man and he is really looking forward to it," said Andy Farrell

Naming Keith Earls as captain of Ireland against the Maori All Blacks on Tuesday was an easy decision for Andy Farrell, who praised the veteran wing’s ability to inspire the people around him.

Earls, 34, will lead the tourists into the second tour game against the Maori at Sky Stadium on Tuesday (8:05am Irish time) as Ireland attempt to keep the momentum building following last Saturday’s second Test win over the All Blacks in Dunedin.