Bundee Aki replaces Garry Ringrose for decisive Test against All Blacks

Johnny Sexton will captain the side from fly-half having overcome the knee problem that forced his exit in the 74th minute at Forsyth Barr Stadium while Peter O’Mahony retains his place at blindside flanker having completed his return to play protocols following a failed Head Injury Assessment in Dunedin.

Head coach Andy Farrell made just one enforced change from the second Test when he revealed his selection on Thursday morning, replacing the concussed Garry Ringrose with Bundee Aki, who moves off the bench to inside centre with Robbie Henshaw switching from 12 to 13 to cover the outside centre vacancy.

Andy Farrell believes he has picked a team that can bring chaos to the All Blacks gameplan when Ireland chase a historic series victory in New Zealand in Saturday’s third Test.

Ireland have already made history for themselves with last Saturday’s 23-12 series-levelling second Test win in Dunedin their first on New Zealand soil. Now they have the series in their sights with former captain Brian O’Driscoll suggesting success at Sky Stadium would be greater than Ireland reaching a first ever World Cup semi-final.