The All Blacks are set to host Ireland at Eden Park in a Nations Championship fixture. The match will test the All Blacks’ significant unbeaten record at the Auckland stadium, which currently stands at 52 consecutive tests without a loss since 1994.
Coach Dave Rennie has made several adjustments to the squad that previously defeated Italy in Wellington. Nine changes have been made in total, with five in the starting fifteen and four on the bench. These changes aim to continue building combinations and reward players who have performed well in recent rounds.
Squad Adjustments and Player Returns
Among the notable changes, Tupou Vaa’i moves from lock to the blindside flanker position. This marks a change at No 6 for the All Blacks, with Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi having previously filled the role against France and Italy, respectively. Vaa’i last played in the loose forwards in August, when he started at No 6 in a loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Vaa’i’s shift also leads to a new locking combination, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Josh Lord forming the second row. Tuipulotu had been slated to play in Christchurch but was withdrawn due to a calf issue. Josh Moorby has been promoted from the reserves to the starting fifteen following his performance against Italy.
Quinn Tupaea also returns to the starting side at centre, replacing Billy Proctor. Despite missing some training sessions earlier in the week, Jordie Barrett has been cleared to play at No 12. On the bench, Xavier Numia and Fletcher Newell rejoin to bolster the front row, while Asafo Aumua returns as the reserve hooker. Lakai also returns to the bench after not featuring in Wellington, and Caleb Clarke is back in the matchday 23 after starting in Christchurch.
The selections for the Eden Park match mean that Beauden Barrett, Kyle Preston, and Simon Parker are the only players from the initial 34-man squad who have not yet played during this international window, assuming no further injuries.
All Blacks’ Perspective on the Challenge
Rennie acknowledged the strength of the Irish side, stating that Ireland has been one of the top teams globally for several years. He highlighted their experience and coaching, noting their recent successes. Rennie emphasised the importance of the bench against a tenacious team like Ireland, selecting players capable of making a significant impact.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea commented on the significance of the match, particularly the team’s unbeaten record at Eden Park. He noted that the team is well aware of what is at stake, describing the challenge as a great opportunity to play a quality Irish side. Savea also mentioned that the team has adopted a more expansive attacking style under Rennie, while also adding bulk to the pack, suggesting a potentially tighter contest against Ireland.
Savea, in his first defence of the streak as full-time skipper, indicated an edge within the camp this week. He views the pressure as an honour and a privilege, distinguishing it from life’s broader challenges. He also stated that he is not using revenge as motivation for this match, despite Ireland’s historic series victory in 2022, preferring to focus on representing the jersey well.
A Rivalry Intensifies
The rivalry between the All Blacks and Ireland has grown in recent years. Ireland took 111 years to secure a victory against the All Blacks but has since won five of the eleven matches played between the two nations. The only team with a better record against the All Blacks during this period is the Springboks, currently ranked number one in the world.
The upcoming match will be the 39th encounter between the two teams. It also marks Rennie’s third test as coach, and his team’s first against a top-three ranked opponent. The All Blacks have shown an optimistic approach in their initial two outings under Rennie, leading the Nations Championship in carries per match and passes per match, and ranking second in total carry metres. They also demonstrate a preference for holding onto the ball, with a low average of kicks from hand per game.
Ireland’s coach, Andy Farrell, who has overseen 59 tests, has a different approach, focusing on a territorial and defensive game. His side carries less, passes less, and kicks more, excelling in controlling the tempo of the game. Ireland also ranks second in the competition for dominant tackles. Farrell’s tenure has been successful, including Ireland’s first-ever series win in New Zealand in 2022 and their initial period at the top of the world rankings.
Both teams enter this match unbeaten in the Nations Championship. Ireland previously dominated Japan and secured a late try to come from behind against Australia. However, Ireland has never won at Eden Park. The winner of this game will claim the lead in the Nations Championship and either defend or overturn decades of Eden Park dominance. The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, with kickoff at 19:10 PM NZST.
Individual battles to watch include Will Jordan, who recently became New Zealand’s top all-time try scorer. For Ireland, Josh van der Flier, the World Rugby Player of the Year 2022, is a key defensive player, having made a high number of tackles per game in the Nations Championship. Ruben Love, for the All Blacks, will face his first test against Ireland, having managed the team well in his initial starts. The breakdown is expected to be crucial, with Savea leading the charge for New Zealand, while Ireland will rely on players like van der Flier and Tadhg Beirne in the absence of Caelan Doris.
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Source: nzherald.co.nz
