New Zealand have been dealt a double blow ahead of Friday's clash with Ireland at Aviva Stadium, with Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor both ruled out of the World Cup quarter-final rematch due to concussion.
The pair suffered head injuries during yesterday’s 24-22 win against England, with head coach Scott Robertson already confirming they would miss the trip to Dublin, given they are dealing with a six-day turnaround.
Meanwhile, Ireland are continuing their training camp in Portugal where they have been joined by Peter O’Mahony, who now looks well in contention for a place in Andy Farrell’s matchday squad.
The 35-year-old played the first half of Munster’s 38-24 defeat to the All Blacks XV at Thomond Park on Saturday evening on his comeback from a hamstring injury, before coming off at half-time in a pre-arranged substitution.
Ireland are due to return from Portugal on Tuesday, but assistant coach Andrew Goodman confirmed the flanker has already joined the camp on the Algarve.
"We're all in good health and training away, obviously," the attack coach (below) said.
"Pete has joined us now after the match yesterday and he's watched footage with everybody this morning, so it's good to have him around.
"He was over this morning nice and early and joined the team, which is great."
O’Mahony had only played 20 minutes of rugby this season prior to last night’s game at Thomond Park, but looked in top form during his 40 minutes as he set a physical and emotional tone on the pitch.
And Goodman says the flanker is very much in contention for selection this week against the three-time world champions.
"It was great to see Pete out there. We had both games on here at the hotel and there was keen interest in both the matches.
"Pete’s been out for a while now so for him to get through the 40 and get around like he did, provide energy and have some good effects on the game, as I said, good to have him over here this morning and adding to the group.
"He’s a pretty experienced man. I’m sure if he gets called upon he’ll be ready to go."
New Zealand needed a clutch Damian McKenzie conversion to complete a final-quarter comeback against England on Saturday at Twickenham, and he now looks set to start at out-half in the absence of Barrett this week.
"They’ve got some good cover there, obviously with McKenzie, who’s been playing 10 for them most of the season and then Will Jordan at full-back," added Goodman.
"And Asafo Aumua (hooker) came in and played some pretty big minutes there and is a powerful runner, we know what he can do.
"So they’ve got great depth in all positions there so I’m sure they’ll back those guys to do a job.
"That was some Test match, eh? Fine margins and I think they showed how dangerous they can be from turnover, counter-attack rugby, some of the tries they scored there, opportunities they created.
"So obviously a lot around kicking, the battle sin the air, the contests in the air, it was pretty prevalent around the contest and not being able to get the escorts in place there. So there was lots of transition ball which New Zealand love to attack off."
There is a lot of familiarity between the sides, who have met five times since 2021. However, Goodman was quick to highlight one player Ireland might not be so familiar with, heaping praise on New Zealand’s exciting new flanker Wallace Sititi.
"It’s been some rise for him really, a 21-year-old. I saw a story around his development through with the Chiefs and then the opportunity to go straight into the All Blacks and he’s thrived. He looks pretty calm out there on the field and nothing seems to get to him.
"So he’s one of the players we have to make sure we take his time and space away and hit our tackles and stick them because he’s been dangerous in all parts of their game, whether it’s on the edge or through the middle of the field."
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