Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman has confirmed that both Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman have returned to full fitness ahead of Saturday’s Nations Championship encounter with New Zealand in Auckland. Both players had been sidelined due to injuries sustained earlier in the tournament.
Wing player Baloucoune had been absent since the competition began, having pulled out of the opening fixture against Australia with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Munster prop Loughman suffered a head injury during the same match, which prevented him from participating in the recent victory over Japan. Both men have rejoined the 36-man squad in training as they prepare to face the All Blacks, who are currently defending a 52-game unbeaten streak at Eden Park.
Goodman expressed satisfaction with the group’s health, noting that the entire squad is available for selection. The return of Baloucoune, who performed well during the Six Nations, gives the coaching staff difficult decisions regarding the final line-up. Competition for positions is high, particularly with Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien providing strong form on the wing and Jacob Stockdale making a return to the fold.
Ireland will head into this match aiming to secure their first-ever win at Eden Park, a venue where New Zealand has not lost a game since 1994. Although Andy Farrell’s team has won their last six games, they have been defeated by the All Blacks in their three most recent meetings. Goodman, who was born in New Zealand, emphasized that the team is focusing on their daily preparation and performance rather than the historical narrative surrounding the stadium.
