Throughout the years, Ireland and New Zealand have locked horns on many different occasion. And on the vast majority of those occasions, The All Blacks have come out on top.
In total, the two sides have met 33 times, with the 34th outing coming tomorrow in test one of the 2022 summer tour of New Zealand. Of those 33 games, New Zealand have won 29 times, with one game ending in a draw.
But while the odds are stacked in The All Blacks favour, Ireland can take huge confidence in their recent record with the best side in the world. Since 2016, the sides have met five times, with Ireland winning three of those games.
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Tomorrow's game is sure to be a classic. So, with that in mind, let's take a look back at some of the most famous meetings between these two sides.
Ireland 29-20 New Zealand: 13th November 2021 Autumn International
The most recent game on this list. Andy Farrell picked up the biggest win of his managerial career less than a year ago.
The All Blacks came to an Aviva Stadium that was packed for the first time since before the pandemic. The Kiwi's were hot favourites coming into the game, but got thoroughly outplayed by Ireland for the majority of the game.
Heading down the stretch, the game was still close. However, a couple of late Joey Carbery penalties put Ireland into an unassailable lead, and gave the Aviva crowd a famous victory to enjoy.
New Zealand 46-14 Ireland: October 19th 2019 Rugby World Cup Quarter-final
Ireland came into the game having won two of the last three encounters between the sides. However, on that day in Japan, there was only one team in the game.
New Zealand v Ireland RWC 2019 highlights
In all honesty, the game was over before it ever truly got going, with The All Blacks blowing Ireland away in the first half. A 22-0 deficit at half time was too big to overcome, and the Irish headed home having yet again failed to win a knockout game at the world cup.
Ireland 16-9 New Zealand: November 17th 2018 Autumn International
A first victory on home soil was secured when Brodie Retalick knocked the ball on as the clock went red at Lansdowne road in November 2018. In a frenetic game, it was Ireland that managed to edge out the All Blacks in an enthralling battle.
In a tense game, it was Jacob Stockdale's moment of magic that split the sides. A beautiful dink over the top was gathered by the Ulsterman, who ran in one of the tries of the season.
Ireland withstood a late Kiwi's onslaught, and picked up another famous win.
Ireland 9-21 New Zealand: November 19th 2016 Autumn International
The forgotten game in the sides most recent history, The All Blacks came the town just a couple of weeks after the historic Irish win in Chicago.
Just a fortnight after that victory, Ireland were unable to get to the pitch of the game. The All Blacks were desperate to avoid two defeats on the trot, and picked up a comfortable victory on a cold evening at Lansdowne Road.
Ireland 40-29 New Zealand: November 5th 2016 Autumn International
Perhaps the most famous win in Irish rugby history? Ireland stopped over a century of misery when they got the better of The All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago.
What's often forgotten is that New Zealand started this game in ominous form. Moala touched down early on despite CJ Stander's best efforts, and it seemed as though Ireland would succumb to another disheartening defeat.
Ireland v New Zealand Soldier Field
However, Ireland struck back and dominated the rest of the half, eventually going in 25-8 in front at the break. the All Blacks came back like the champions that they are, but tries from Simon Zebo and Robbie Henshaw, along with a string of nerveless Joey Carbery kicks, gave Ireland the win.
Ireland 22-24 New Zealand: November 24th 2013 Autumn International
By far, the most heartbreaking defeat on the list.
The Irish started off in electric form, with Rory Best, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray running in three tries, putting Ireland 19-0 ahead. Julian Savea touched down for the away side, but Johnny Sexton kicked a penalty for the hosts to put Ireland 22-7 ahead in the 33rd minute.
That was Ireland's last points.
The All Blacks fought back from the brink, with Aaron Crotty's last minute try being converted from the sideline by Aaron Cruden. The All Blacks won by a couple of points, and secured a perfect year, winning 14 games from 14 tests in 2013.
New Zealand 60-0 Ireland: June 23rd 2012 Summer Test
The last time the sides met on New Zealand soil ended in an embarrassing defeat for Declan Kidney's charges. What makes this defeat even more irritating, is the fact that Ireland ran The All Blacks close just a week earlier.
The loss consigned Ireland to their heaviest ever defeat in their history. And while that was a low point for the side, it has come to be seen as a real watershed moment for Ireland in their recent history.
Joe Schmidt took over a year later, and between himself and Andy Farrell, Ireland have gotten the better over the Kiwi's in recent years.
Here's hoping for more of the same tomorrow!
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