Ireland are hoping to make new ground at the Rugby World Cup when they face New Zealand in a blockbuster encounter in Paris tonight.
Andy Farrell’s side have shown exactly why they are the number-one ranked side in the world so far in the tournament, picking up wins over South Africa and Scotland to top Pool B in superb fashion and put themselves forward as one of the big favourites to go all the way.
However, there is a clear hurdle to overcome. This is the fourth World Cup in a row that Ireland have made it to the quarter-final stage, and the eighth time in their history, but they have not once progressed to the last-four.
If they are to finally take that step, the lopsided nature of the draw means they must produce another statement win, with the All Blacks looking to ensure they do not fail to make the semi-finals for just the second time ever.
New Zealand fell to defeat in the tournament opener against France, but the response has been emphatic as expected. Huge wins have been racked up against Namibia, Italy and Uruguay, though this is now a major step-up as they face the number-one ranked side in the world.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland takes place tonight, Saturday October 14, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Stade de Frace in Paris will host the Irish again, having also been the venue for their victories over South Africa and Scotland.
Where to watch Ireland vs New Zealand
TV channel: Ireland vs New Zealand is available to watch live and free to air tonight in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7:15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the quarter-final action live online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Follow the game live tonight with Standard Sport’s blog.
Ireland vs New Zealand team news
Ireland wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe were forced off in the win over Scotland, but both have recovered in time and will start once more against the All Blacks.
Lowe took a blow to his eye that impacted his vision, while Hansen picked up a calf injury having returned to the pitch after a HIA, but Farrell has confidence that both are fit as he names an unchanged starting XV from the team that beat Scotland.
James Ryan, who saw a specialist about his hand injury, has failed to prove his fitness and misses out on the squad, with Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls also not involved. Joe McCarthy and Jimmy O’Brien both come into the squad and are named on the bench.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster had some selection dilemmas to consider after his side’s big win over Uruguay.
Leicester Fainga’anuku keeps his place out on the left wing after a hat-trick in that game, with usual starter Mark Telea surprisingly ruled out due to disciplinary reasons.
Foster brings back his other key names, with Ethan de Groot back from suspension and fellow prop Tyrel Lomax having recovered from a knee issue.
There is no Cam Roigard on the bench for the All Blacks, with Fin Christie backing up starting scrum-half Aaron Smith instead.
The likes of Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Luke Jacobsen don’t even make the squad, with Damian McKenzie, Sam Whitelock and Anton Lienert-Brown all on the bench.
Ireland vs New Zealand lineups
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, McCarthy, Conan, Murray, Crowley, O’Brien
New Zealand XV: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Fainga'anuku; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax; Retallick, S Barrett; Frizell, Cane (c), Savea
Replacements: Coles, Williams, Newell, Whitelock, Papali’i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown
Ireland vs New Zealand referee
English referee Wayne Barnes has been handed this fixture with assistance from countrymen Christophe Ridley and Matthew Carley running the lines, and Tom Foley on TMO.
Ireland vs New Zealand prediction
After two low-key matches to begin the tournament, the pressure on Ireland swiftly cranked up.
They have very much risen to the occasion, coming through a bruising encounter with defending champions South Africa before blowing Scotland away in the first-half in Paris to further strengthen the argument that they are ready to deliver on the biggest stage.
Their defence has been incredible, though that will come under huge scrutiny against the All Blacks, who have scored 36 tries across their last three wins.
The obvious caveat is that the free-flowing rugby from New Zealand has come against sides who are a mile off the levels Ireland have been producing so far at the World Cup, and this will inevitably be a far more physical, attritional encounter at times.
Ireland will again have massive support at the Stade de France, and those in green on the pitch can give those in the stands something to cheer once more as they take another major step towards the Webb Ellis Cup.
Ireland to win, by ten points
Head to head (h2h) history and results
After failing to win any of the first 28 matches between the two nations, Ireland have now come out on top in five of the last eight encounters.
That includes a 32-22 win over the All Blacks in Wellington last year to seal a series victory, one that will give Andy Farrell’s side huge confidence.
Ireland wins: 5
New Zealand wins: 30
Draws: 1
Ireland vs New Zealand latest odds
Ireland to win: 4/6
New Zealand to win: 13/10
Draw: 18/1
