Rugby

Robbie Henshaw returns to Ireland squad ahead of All Blacks clash

Leinster returns from a foot problem that has prevented him from making season bow

Robbie Henshaw is training with Ireland ahead of their meeting with New Zealand. Photograph: Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images

Gerry Thornley's face
Gerry Thornley
Mon Nov 8 2021 - 13:47

Robbie Henshaw is to return to training with the Irish squad this week as they prepare for Saturday's meeting with New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.

An official Irish team update stated that “Henshaw will be re-integrated into team training across the week as he completes his rehab programme.”

This follows the foot injury which has delayed his seasonal return to date, but given the performances of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose in last Saturday’s 60-5 win over Japan it’s hard to envisage Henshaw being thrown into this fixture.

Gavin Coombes will not train with the squad this week as he continues his recovery from illness. There were no injury concerns emerging from the nine tries to one win over Japan and the game against New Zealand, which is a sell-out, will be televised by RTÉ and Channel 4.

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The All Blacks have arrived in Dublin with what is close to a fully fit squad after assistant coach Scott McLeod confirmed that Brodie Retallick has recovered from the shoulder injury which ruled him out of consideration for last Saturday’s scrappy 47-9 win over Italy in Rome.

Scrum-half Brad Weber has presented symptom-free after sustaining a broken nose and failing his HIA against Italy but he must complete the return to play protocols while Sevu Reece’s bone bruising is the only other minor injury concern.

Ian Foster and his assistants opted for an entirely changed starting XV against Italy compared to the side which beat Wales 54-16 the week before and the expectation is that the vast majority will return for next Saturday’s encounter.

Aki RingroseRobbie Henshaw