Ireland had come into the 2023 Rugby World Cup as one of the tournament favourites – but they will be put to the test on Saturday against the might of New Zealand.
The Shamrocks skipped into the quarter-finals as runaway leaders of Pool B – winning all four of their games, including a tight 13-8 victory over a strong South Africa side.
EPAIreland’s Tadhg Furlong (left), Andrew Porter, and Conor Murray (right) celebrate their Pool B victory over Scotland on Saturday[/caption]
But the All Blacks have historically been the team to beat in Rugby World Cups in years past – although their dominant streak has started to flag of late.
Ian Foster’s side came through a tough Pool A with their opening defeat to France being their only loss – and they finished in second in a pool that also included Uruguay and Italy, just three points behind Les Bleus.
However, New Zealand soon put that loss to bed with 60+ point wins in each of their three other pool ties.
Andy Farrell’s side meanwhile received very little resistance from some of their pool opponents – trouncing Romania 82-8 in their opener before putting Tonga to the sword 59-16.
When is Ireland vs New Zealand?
Ireland’s World Cup encounter against New Zealand is set to take place on Saturday, October 14.Kick off is set to get underway at 8pm BST.The allocated venue, the Stade de France in Paris, can hold 80,000 fans.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Ireland vs New Zealand will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.Coverage will begin 7:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVX.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch Wales v Argentina for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
What is the team news?
Ireland XV: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton (c), James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien.
New Zealand are yet to name their XV for the Paris clash but assistant coach Jason Ryan confirmed prop Tyrel Lomax is likely to feature.
The 27-year-old came off limping early on in the All Blacks’ 73-0 dismantling of Uruguay last Thursday.
Ryan said: “Yeah Lomax trained really well on Tuesday, got through what he needed to and definitely he will be considered for selection.
“If you’re heading to a final, which this is, it’s important you have got the luxury of picking from a squad that is fully available.
“Always going to get niggles but, in regards to Lowy, it’s great he has got through today.
What are the latest odds?
Ireland to win 4/6Draw 17/1New Zealand to win 5/4
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at time of publication
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
