Form 'not a concern' for Ireland in NZ build-up

5 hours ago 2

John Fogarty insists Ireland's coaches are not worrying about the squad's form before next week's Test against New Zealand in Chicago.

Ireland assembled in Dublin on Monday on the back of Munster's resounding 31-14 United Rugby Championship win over rivals Leinster at Croke Park on Saturday.

There are 22 Leinster players in Andy Farrell's Ireland squad, but while the province's head coach Leo Cullen has admitted his side are "not battle-hardened at the moment", Fogarty is confident the national team will be ready for their 1 November encounter with the All Blacks at Soldier Field.

"Sometimes that can be a really good thing, to just check yourself," said scrum coach Fogarty.

"But I firmly believe that knowing what's in front of us, knowing the opportunities in front of us, knowing the importance of it and to represent Ireland, to represent this country in a green jersey, it means everything to them."

Fogarty added: "If we're not seeing progression or if we're not seeing the right levels, it's very easy to see in training sessions, that's something that will be addressed immediately.

"If they can't get themselves in the right place, then we've all done a poor job. So, look, it's not a concern for us."

Fogarty added that a Test match against rivals New Zealand is the "perfect" challenge to sharpen the Ireland squad's focus.

The sides have five wins apiece in their past 10 encounters stretching back to Ireland's first victory in Chicago in 2016, although New Zealand have come out on top in the two most recent meetings.

While Ireland's British and Irish Lions contingent were given a break after the series win over Australia, New Zealand played six matches in the Rugby Championship, finishing second behind South Africa.

"I think there's an expectation within the group that we need to be competing with these teams every time we take the pitch," said Fogarty.

"There should be nothing else in our mind. Our mentality has to be that, and that's why I'm talking about how we need to push ourselves right now, not wait and see what happens or hope things go well.

"We need to be front foot in how we prepare for this game."

Ireland will be without lock Joe McCarthy and wing Mack Hansen because of foot injuries, while centres Robbie Henshaw (groin) and Bundee Aki (hip) have emerged as doubts for the New Zealand game.

However, Fogarty remains hopeful that captain Caelan Doris will be fit enough to lead the team out at Soldier Field.

Number eight Doris has not played since undergoing shoulder surgery in early May, which ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia in the summer.

"I know he has returned. I know that he did some modified contact last week," said Fogarty.

"He's in great form, he's fizzing away. There's a nice mood to him, how he's talking to lads, how he's speaking to us. He's a very measured guy."

Fogarty added: "He looks really, really good. I don't know his plan over the next couple of days, we've two, three sessions on the pitch, Saturday and Thursday will be performance days, so if he's in those games then we'll see where he's at for New Zealand.

"He's in a great place, so we're hearing."

After the New Zealand game, Ireland face Japan, Australia and South Africa in Dublin during their autumn campaign.

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