Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says Jimmy O’Brien is “on top of his game” heading into the Nations Championship match against New Zealand in Auckland.

After a turbulent season with Leinster, O’Brien has impressed for Ireland on the right wing against Australia and Japan during Rob Baloucoune’s absence.

However, with Baloucoune fit again, O’Brien will now switch to 11 while Jamie Osborne, who began against the Wallabies on the left wing, drops out of the matchday squad.

“He’s been in great form,” Farrell said when asked about O’Brien in a press conference.

“He’s gone from stop-start really for Leinster over the course of the season and not really nailing down any type of genuine spot, but for us over the last three or four weeks it’s been obvious that he’s been really on top of his game and he’s been in great form.

“Obviously there’s pressure within himself playing for your country and he deals with those pressures superbly well.”

Farrell has named an experienced line-up for the tough task of attempting to end New Zealand’s 52-game unbeaten run at Eden Park.

Baloucoune, who has missed the opening matches through a hamstring issue, will now look to replicate his influential Six Nations and club level form against the All Blacks.

“What he [Rob Baloucoune] is going to bring for the team, that’s the only thing we do consider,” Farrell replied when asked about Baloucoune starting.

“What is right for the team and the blend of the balance, that goes along with that, and obviously Rob’s talent is there for all to see.

“So, exposing him and others from this squad into an occasion that’s coming up on Saturday night is vital for him and for us all moving forward.”

New Zealand have not lost a Test at Eden Park since 1994 when France were the victors with All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie calling the stadium ‘a fortress’.

Ireland were comfortably beaten 42-19 during their fifth attempt to end the All Black’s dominance and register their first victory in 2022.

Now, Farrell believes his side are “lucky to be back there” as they aim to remain unbeaten in the Nations Championship.

“It’s fantastic,” Farrell said.

“I feel we’re the fortunate ones and we are the lucky ones in the sense that we get the opportunity to go to Eden Park.

“We had that fortune in 2022, first game up. Obviously, we couldn’t get that over the line. We’re pretty lucky to be back there and have another shot at it.”