Get ready for an exciting rugby showdown as Caelan Doris is set to captain Ireland in their highly anticipated clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago!
Doris, who has been recovering from shoulder surgery since Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat in May, is now fully fit and raring to go. He joined his teammates for a training session at SeatGeek Stadium, leaving coach Andy Farrell with a full-strength squad, except for the absence of Mark Hansen.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should Doris start the match, or should he come off the bench? Forwards coach Paul O'Connell shared his thoughts with reporters, highlighting the dilemma: "There's one school of thought that says you start a guy like that because he could come on after a minute anyway, and another that suggests bringing him off the bench."
O'Connell added that Doris has had an excellent recovery period and has been training exceptionally well, showing no signs of any issues.
The All Blacks, who finished second in the Rugby Championship, have the advantage of match fitness over Ireland. Coach Farrell is aware of this challenge and has brought the team to Chicago early to adjust to the time zone and prepare for the upcoming battle.
And this is the part most people miss... The early arrival has allowed the team to overcome jet lag and conduct two intense training sessions with full contact, ensuring the players are at their peak.
Ireland's Autumn Nations Series schedule is packed with thrilling matches:
- November 1: Ireland vs New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago (8 pm GMT)
- November 8: Ireland vs Japan at Aviva Stadium (12:40 pm)
- November 15: Ireland vs Australia at Aviva Stadium (8:10 pm)
- November 22: Ireland vs South Africa at Aviva Stadium (5:40 pm)
Will Ireland rise to the challenge and overcome the All Blacks? Only time will tell.
Don't miss this epic rugby spectacle! Catch all the action on Sky Sports or stream it live with NOW.
Should Doris start the match, or is it a better strategy to bring him on as a substitute? What do you think?
