One of the most absorbing matches from the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see a rematch this weekend, as the Autumn Series Internationals continue as Ireland collide with New Zealand.
It was an agonising defeat for the Irish in Paris last year, and there will be a sense that they will be gunning for a small matter of revenge against the All Blacks this weekend.
However, New Zealand will be out to prove that they are still the dominant force in the world of rugby, and a second straight test win will be the aim after beating England last Saturday.
Latest Odds
A competitive match is set for this weekend according to the BetXchange odds. Ireland to win is priced up at 33/100, while a victory for New Zealand is available at 43/23.
In the three-way betting, Ireland are priced at 2/5, with an All Blacks success priced up at 23/10. Ireland could be a decent bet to cover the (-3.5) spread at 7/10, while New Zealand (+3.5) is available at 23/20.
Ireland Team Update
It has been a long wait since Ireland were last in rugby action, as they haven’t been in action since clashing with South Africa in the middle of the year.
A tight test against the reigning champions made for thrilling viewing, with the Irish landing a famous 25-24 win on July 13. A similarly high-class encounter is likely this weekend, and the Irish will likely want to hit the ground running with clashes against Argentina, Fiji, and Australia to come before the end of the month.
The Irish will have a number of injury issues to address this weekend, with Tadhg Furlong pulling out of the test against the All Blacks on Friday. He will be replaced in the front row by Finlay Bealham. Ronan Kelleher has won his race against time to prove his fitness, and will start for the Irish.
Caelan Doris will have the esteemed honour of captaining Ireland, with Peter O’Mahony set to be on the bench.
New Zealand Team Update
New Zealand kicked off the Autumn Internationals with a point to prove after finishing second in the Rugby Championship standings. The All Blacks won just three of their matches in the series, with three defeats also being suffered.
However, any doubt that they were still a force in world rugby were answered emphatically against England last Saturday.
The All Blacks showed excellent mental strength to overcome the Red Roses in the opening test, winning by a two-point margin at Twickenham.
Feyi Waboso scored a try in the win in London, while Damian McKenzie was excellent with his boot, scoring two crucial penalties against the hosts to ensure that Scott Robinson’s reign in charge got off to a winning start.
Ireland vs New Zealand Prediction
New Zealand showed excellent grit to get over the line against England last Saturday. However, this will be a completely different challenge against a fully-fit Irish side. Therefore, a first defeat for Robinson could be inflicted in Ireland, as the hosts gain revenge for last year’s World Cup heartache.
