Baloucoune and Loughman fit to face New Zealand

Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman has confirmed Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman are fit for Saturday's Nations Championship match against New Zealand in Auckland.

Wing Baloucoune has not been involved so far during the inaugural Nations Championship after being forced to withdraw from the line-up for the opening match against Australia because of a hamstring issue.

Munster prop Loughman sustained a head injury in the second half of the narrow win over the Wallabies, which ruled him out of last weekend's win over Japan.

However, both players have returned to training with Andy Farrell's 36-man squad and will be available when Ireland attempt to end the All Blacks' 52-game unbeaten run at Eden Park.

"It was great to see everyone out there - everyone is fit and available. It is a good place to be at the end of the tour," said Goodman.

"To have Rob back training and fit. He obviously had an amazing Six Nations for us and we were excited to get him going from week one. It is a shame he pulled up with an injury.

"He is charging around training again, so it creates a healthy dilemma as coaches and good discussions."

Loughman came off the bench against Australia as a replacement for Tom O'Toole, who has started both games at loose-head prop.

Meanwhile, Leinster's Jimmy O'Brien has impressed on the wing during Baloucoune's absence.

"The form obviously comes into it," added attack coach Goodman when asked about selection.

"There's been some guys, like Jimmy [O'Brien], there was a much-improved performance from him from Australia to Japan.

"It's great to see Jacob [Stockdale] back who hadn't played for eight to 10 weeks with his injury at the end of the season for Ulster."

Ireland will be aiming to end New Zealand's unbeaten run at Eden Park which stretches back to 1994 and register their first victory at the venue.

Farrell's side have won their past six matches but have lost the past three meetings with New Zealand.

"Eden Park, we know the history of the stadium, and it is probably the home of New Zealand rugby team, and we are excited about playing here," said New Zealand-born Goodman.

"Also having the opportunity to put our best foot forward and put a performance on we are going to be really proud of.

"It has been about preparation and mentality building every day and I know there is a big narrative about [New Zealand's] streak, but for us it is about day to day."