Ireland call up Gavin Duffy after Keith Earls is ruled out of second Test against New Zealand

Ireland have called up Connacht's Gavin Duffy after ruling Keith Earls out of the second Test against New Zealand.

Earls sustained a pectoral muscle injury in the closing stages of the chastening 42-10 defeat in the series opener against the All Blacks and has been told he will play no part in Saturday's rematch.

He will not return home, though, and will be monitored ahead of the third Test.

Earls played at inside centre against the All Blacks but the versatile back was considered as Rob Kearney's understudy at full-back too.

His injury means more cover is needed in that area, hence Duffy's summons.

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney said: "Gavin will arrive in Christchurch on Tuesday and we'll meet up with him when we arrive on Wednesday.

"He was under consideration and he was on the stand-by list but we felt that Keith has played a fair bit of rugby at full-back so we were adequately covered there."

PA