Ireland are out for a measure of Rugby World Cup revenge as they host New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener in Dublin.
Andy Farrell’s side were narrowly beaten by the All Blacks in a thrilling Paris quarter-final last October, ending their hopes of breaking their tournament hoodoo. While Farrell downplayed the revenge angle ahead of a blockbuster clash, suggesting his side needed no extra motivation for such a marquee fixture, any lingering hurt is sure to surface as his team look to right a few wrongs back on home soil.
The visitors began their European tour with a much-needed win over England last weekend, showing clear development as they fought back in the final quarter to secure victory.
Head injuries rule out two key figures in Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, though, and a short turnaround may also have posed head coach Scott Robertson a few problems as a gruelling November continues for the All Blacks.
Follow all of the action from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
PENALTY! IRELAND 3-0 New Zealand (Jack Crowley, 8 minutes)
Jack Crowley slots the penalty from the tee. Ireland are on the board first.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:20
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 7 minutes
An excellent clearance from Damian McKenzie sends Ireland back beyond halfway, from where the hosts play a phase and then go back to the air. And there’s the escorting law in action – Nic Berry blows his whistle having deemed Jordie Barrett to have changed his line and blocked a chasing Mack Hansen. Harsh, you’d say – Barrett didn’t change his line and Hansen rather drew attention to his presence by barging through the back of him, but this should be three points…
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:19
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 5 minutes
It’s stable at the third attempt and off Ireland go, Bundee Aki carrying firmly and then Caelan Doris in the second phase. Kelleher and Bealham lurk wide on the right and combine nicely, but Aki’s pass hits the deck in the next phase off Irish hands.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:16
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
Their replacement front row went very well against England last week, but England had Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax under pressure at times. No Dan Sheehan or Tadhg Furlong for Ireland, of course, but Ronan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham are Lions contenders in their own rights.
How will the first scrum go? Down twice and a double reset.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:14
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
The first Irish touch is from captain Caelan Doris, trucking up from the kick off. Into a kicking exchange, referee Nic Berry barking at the retreating players to “open up” and allow the chasers access.
Cortez Ratima looks to go to the air, but the scrum half is unprotected at the base of the breakdown. Andrew Porter gets through on to the leg and Will Jordan fumbles on the floor after the prop’s chargedown.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:13
Ireland vs New Zealand
Here we go then. A long build-up, Ireland hitting a few tackle shields to warm the shoulders and make the All Blacks wait.
Nic Berry has the whistle, Damian McKenzie the ball.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:11
Haka
Time for the haka, to be led in the absence of Codie Taylor and TJ Perenara by…Rieko Ioane. Ireland take a few paces towards the All Blacks as the bodies spread, Caelan Doris with the mildly amused look of a parent watching a primary school play – the new Irish skipper looks totally relaxed. Andrew Porter, meanwhile, has the face of a bulldog chewing wasps – the prop looks ready to rip in.
And forward Ireland come, meeting the challenge in unison! Lively. This should be mighty.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:09
Anthems
There has been a bit of criticism from Donncha O’Callaghan on Irish radio today about England’s failure to play New Zealand’s anthem properly at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham last week, so it should please the former Ireland lock that the brass band give both the All Blacks’ “God Defend New Zealand” and the home brace of anthems full welly.
The place fills fit to burst.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 November 2024 20:06