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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

New Zealand troll Ireland ahead of test series with cheeky billboards

New Zealand are risking a backlash with a series of cheeky billboards that are set to meet the visiting Ireland rugby team.

Ireland will play a three-test series against New Zealand next month, with matches taking place in Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington.

It took Ireland 29 attempts to finally beat the All Blacks in 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

READ MORE: Rugby legend Paul O'Connell rules out following Tommy Bowe's footsteps into breakfast TV

The floodgates have opened slightly since then with Ireland beating New Zealand twice more, with both occasions at the Aviva.

Out of the last five tests played between the two nations, Ireland actually has a 3-2 winning record.

And it may be this recent edge that has prompted a New Zealand betting company to remind Andy Farrell's side that they have yet to win on Kiwi soil.

The New Zealand Herald reports that sports betting agency TAB NZ plans to post billboards in each host city, with some located close to the Irish team's hotels and others on the routes they will travel to get to training and the games.

One billboard simply states: "0 wins in NZ".

Another billboard states: "Think the flight was long? Try a 28-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park".

While another says: "4 Kiwis in the team. That might help your odds a little."

It remains to be seen if the intimidatory tactics pay off. Ireland will begin their tour of New Zealand against the Maoiri All Blacks in Hamilton before the first Test on July 2 in Auckland.

Ireland tour (all games kick off at 8.05am Irish time)

June 29 - Maori All Blacks v Ireland, Hamilton

July 2 - New Zealand v Ireland, Auckland

July 9 - New Zealand v Ireland, Dunedin

July 12 - Maori All Blacks v Ireland, Wellington

July 16 - New Zealand v Ireland, Wellington

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