Ireland rugby: Form ‘not a concern’ for Ireland before All Blacks Test, says John Fogarty

Ireland will be without lock Joe McCarthy and wing Mack Hansen because of foot injuries, while centres Robbie Henshaw (groin) and Bundee Aki (hip) have emerged as doubts for the New Zealand game.

However, Fogarty remains hopeful that captain Caelan Doris will be fit enough to lead the team out at Soldier Field.

Number eight Doris has not played since undergoing shoulder surgery in early May, which ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia in the summer.

“I know he has returned. I know that he did some modified contact last week,” said Fogarty.

“He’s in great form, he’s fizzing away. There’s a nice mood to him, how he’s talking to lads, how he’s speaking to us. He’s a very measured guy.”

Fogarty added: “He looks really, really good. I don’t know his plan over the next couple of days, we’ve two, three sessions on the pitch, Saturday and Thursday will be performance days, so if he’s in those games then we’ll see where he’s at for New Zealand.

“He’s in a great place, so we’re hearing.”

After the New Zealand game, Ireland face Japan, Australia and South Africa in Dublin during their autumn campaign.