Lineout improvement is essential for Ireland this Saturday against All Blacks

After a brace of wins against Argentina and Italy over the past fortnight, the real test awaits Ireland this Saturday as they welcome the back to back world Champions New Zealand to the Aviva.

Ireland have firmly established themselves as the second-best team in the World and the gap between Joe Schmidt’s men and the All Blacks is arguably tighter than it ever has been before.

After the historic win over New Zealand in Soldier Field in 2016, Ireland can be wary of a backlash from Steve Hansen’s side.

If Ireland are to overcome the World Champions, then they will have to improve in the set-piece where they were uncharacteristically poor against Argentina last weekend.

Against Argentina, Ireland only won 10 out of their 13 lineouts at a 76% clip. Contrasting to that, New Zealand won 92% of their lineouts against an England side who have a far superior set piece than the Argentinians on a considerably worse day in Twickenham.

This is something Joe Schmidt will have looked at with Ireland’s set piece generally a base for majority of sides attacks.

Against Italy Tadgh Beirne and Quinn Roux made up the second-row partnership with the Munster man in inspired form notching two tries and having a 100% record in lineout, albeit against a poor Italy side. However, there isn’t room for either in the matchday squad.

Last Saturday, James Ryan and Iain Henderson were Schmidt’s preferred pairing and the young lock has retained his place in the lineup for this Saturday while Henderson drops to the bench. Devin Toner comes into the side in the place of the Ulster man and will provide much needed experience at the lineout.

Schmidt does also have Peter O’Mahony at his disposal who has proven his worth repeatedly in the lineout as a flanker.

Regardless, Ireland will need to be much better at the lineout against the All Blacks or Brodie Retallick and co may run riot at set piece time.