All Blacks v Ireland: All you need to know about the Nations Championship match at Eden Park
Saturday, 18 July 2026
The All Blacks play Ireland in their third Nations Championship test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night.
Both teams have won two from two so far in the new competition and are meeting on New Zealand soil for the first time since Ireland’s historic series win here in 2022.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7.10pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport with live updates here on Stuff via Tribe.
What to expect
A couple of things.
First, arguably the All Blacks’ stiffest test to start the year, as well as an important gauge on just where they’re at ahead of the daunting tour of South Africa next month.
Yes, buckle up. After a narrow but entertaining win over depleted France to kickoff the year, and a scratchy performance en route to a comfortable win over Italy, the All Blacks might well be in for their first arm-wrestle.
That means their pack needs to front, which Rennie acknowledged after beefing up his forwards by moving Tupou Vaa’i to No 6 and naming the fit-again Patrick Tuipulotu in the starting side.
As Rennie said, his team needs to ‘bar up’ and be prepared to go through Ireland, rather than flinging it wide at every opportunity.
Indeed, there might be a little less ‘optimism’ on attack, and perhaps more box kicking after the All Blacks lauched just five a week ago.
The All Blacks can’t care about style points with their more than three decade long unbeaten run at their Eden Park fortress on the line.
What they’ve said
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie: “Oh, we know where they’re coming. They’ve got a really good kicking game and they’ll apply pressure through that. There’s a lot of detail within their attack and they’ve got a real good short passing game and they’re prepared to go multi-phase.
“Our job’s to get them out of their comfort zone, ensure through how we defend that they’re below their best and try and profit off that. We’re going to have to bar up big time at set-piece and we’re pretty confident with the group we’ve got that we can apply pressure there.”
Ireland coach Andy Farrell: “Where else would you rather be? Not making the most out of the fortunate position that we’re in would be a shame, wouldn’t it? We always reference ‘how do you want to wake up on Monday morning?’. Have no regrets, all of that.
“So, making sure that people are able to be themselves and perform on a big stage like that, that’s what it’s all about. Don’t waste the opportunity.”
Teams
All Blacks: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (c), Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot; Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Rob Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jimmy O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan (c), Tom O’Toole.; Reserves: Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Nick Timoney, Sean Jansen, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Bundee Aki
Players to watch
All Blacks flanker Tupou Vaa’i: All eyes will be on the 26-year-old after head coach Dave Rennie moved the second rower to the No 6 jersey. Eager to beef up the pack, Vaa’i’s shift comes with the return of fit-again lock Patrick Tuipulotu. Vaa’i was solid, but not spectacular, when former head coach Scott Robertson utilised him as a flanker last year.
Ireland halfback Jamison Gibson-Park: The Auckland-born halfback’s battle with opposite Cam Roigard shapes as a beauty. Gibson-Park might not have the same impact with ball in hand as Roigard, but he’s got a snappy pass and a brilliant kicking game.
Head to head
Played 39: All Blacks 33 wins, Ireland 5 ins, 1 draw
TAB odds: All Blacks $1.25 Ireland $3.80