Andy Farrell forced to make late change to Ireland team for All Blacks clash

Andy Farrell was forced to make a late change to his Ireland team for their opening test against New Zealand due to Covid-19.

Finlay Bealham has been ruled out of the game due to the virus having been named on the bench.

His absence sees Cian Healy switch to No.17, with Tom O'Toole promoted to the bench.

READ MORE: New Zealand v All Ireland LIVE updates

It comes after Mack Hansen was already ruled out of the game after testing positive for Covid-19.

New Zealand have also had Covid problems of their own, with their head coach Ian Foster and his assistants John Plumtree, Scott McLeod and Greg Feek forced to isolate, while players David Havili, Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan will miss the game after contracting the virus.

Finlay Bealham (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

This has led to an early call-up for Joe Schmidt, who was due to join the All Blacks setup following the tour but was fast-tracked to help with preparations.

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