Ireland v New Zealand time

Is New Zealand vs Ireland on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch summer tour. Everything you need to know ahead of the first Test in Auckland. Luke ...

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. A much-changed Ireland side also suffered a chastening defeat to the Maori All Blacks in midweek but only one of that starting XV will line up come the opening whistle on Saturday. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

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 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.