New Zealand vs Ireland

Everything you need to know ahead of the first Test in Auckland.

At a neutral version, or on Irish soil, Ireland might well be favourites against the All Blacks but their Eden Park record is so formidable, it’s hard to predict anything other than a New Zealand victory. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Scott Barrett, 7. Beauden Barrett, 9. James Ryan, 6. Tadhg Beirne, 5. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku will make his All Blacks debut and Chiefs back-rower Pita Gus Sowakula could do likewise from the bench. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton captains the side from fly-half, while Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are preferred in the centres to Bundee Aki and Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris form the back row as Jack Conan is a replacement. The three-time world champion All Blacks haven’t lost at Eden Park since way back in 1994 and the venue has become renowned as something of a fortress. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg ...

We’ve gone to various big stadiums across the world and we expect it to be buzzing here tomorrow night.” Hello and welcome to our live blog for the first test between the All Blacks and Ireland. “But, at the same time, it’s a massive opportunity for an Irish team to come over and win on New Zealand soil for the first time. Ireland have won 12 of their last 13 test matches, but they have never beaten the All Blacks on New Zealand soil and have lost all 12 games they have played in the country. The match is scheduled to start at 8.05am Irish time and will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena. Ireland take on New Zealand in Auckland in the first of their summer tests this morning.

Here we look at three areas which may decide the outcome. Half-back wits - Beauden Barrett v Johnny Sexton. It's the battle of the 2016/17 and 2018 World Rugby ...

He’s been at the top of his game for the last number of years as one of the best back rows in the world." He made major contributions in the two Dublin victories over New Zealand and has seen off three-time Lions starter Jack Conan for a back-row berth. Nuisance at the breakdown. "Three top quality players, obviously Barrett we haven’t seen too much of him at six recently. It’ll be exciting going up against him. "I’m sure confidence will be high.

Ireland are out to back-up their shock victory over New Zealand in the autumn with a win at Eden Park later today.

TV channel: In the UK, New Zealand vs Ireland is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 7.30am before kick-off at 8.05am. Where to watch New Zealand vs Ireland New Zealand vs Ireland live stream: How to watch rugby on TV and online in UK today

IRELAND FACE A mammoth first test against the New Zealand in Eden Park, Auckland in the early hou...

The All Blacks have been hit with Covid cases, meaning that the former Ireland coach, who was meant to begin work with New Zealand as a selector after the tour will now start ahead of schedule. New Zealand have also named a formidable side in the opening game. The problem for Ireland is that New Zealand's record at Eden Park is impeccable. Any type of performance that we’ve had before where we’ve managed to get over the line, that won’t do this weekend, I’m sure about that. We like the pressure of this series. Ian Foster: "It's a great series for us.

Getting the better of Ian Foster's troops at Eden Park will be a mammoth task however, as the All Blacks haven't lost at the Auckland ground - to any opponent - ...

Most of this side have beaten the All Blacks, some more than once, and there are a number who will have fond memories of the Lions’ tour here in 2017. “To be fair, we’ve had two years like this in some ways, it just happens to be me and a couple of coaches this week. A lot of kudos goes to Ireland for making sure this series will be an outstanding one.” Rebecca Nelson has the duties of belting out “Ireland’s Call”, joined by the Irish players and a relatively healthy smattering of green jerseys up in the stands. We know the challenge in front of us, but are excited at the same time. They also have some inside knowledge, with ex-Ireland coach Joe Schmidt on their coaching staff, after the native Kiwi was drafted in at short notice to fill holes left by Covid-19 isolations.

Andy Farrell's Ireland are at Eden Park for the first of three Rugby Test matches. Follow our guide to watch a New Zealand vs Ireland live stream from where ...

Follow our guide to watch a free New Zealand vs Ireland live stream from where you are. For New Zealand vs Ireland, you may wish to choose 'Australia' for Stan Sport. Kick-off is a bright and early 8.05am BST. The match is on Sky in the UK and Stan Sport (7-day free trial) in Australia. Make sure you know how to watch a New Zealand vs Ireland live stream from wherever you are. Even if you have subscribed to the relevant New Zealand vs Ireland rights holders, you won't be able to access them when outside your own country. You'll find FloRugby apps available on most smart devices including iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV. You can use it to watch on your mobile, tablet, laptop, TV, games console and more. USA: watch a New Zealand vs Ireland live stream FloRugby has bagged the rights to the New Zealand vs Ireland live stream in the USA. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. UK: watch a New Zealand vs Ireland live stream On a more positive note, Tadhg Beirne has shaken off his knock and is expected to start. New Zealand vs Ireland free live stream

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has today (Thursday) announced the Ireland side that will take to the field at Eden Park in Auckland in the first Test of ...

5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 43 3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) 57 1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 43 13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster) 42 15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster) 20 “So all that needs to come to fruition under extreme pressure. “What really wins top level rugby is always going to be the same. Like I’ve said to you before, any type of performance that we’d have before where we’ve managed to get over the line that won’t do this weekend. He added: “We’re under no illusions what we’re up against at the weekend. “He’s still a bit sore this morning. “I think Cian had a bit more of a scare than anything else,” the Ireland boss said. Beirne steps in for Iain Henderson whose summer tour was ended by a knee injury.

Watch all four summer tours on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action: New Zealand vs Ireland (from 7.30am, 8.05am KO), Australia vs England (from 10.15am, ...