The long-awaited series has arrived.
Since Ireland was announced to tour New Zealand 18 months ago, All Blacks fans have been licking their lips with what’s in the store.
Not only is this the first time an opponent in the Northern Hemisphere has visited here since France in 2018, but it is also the first time in history to rank first in the world before the 2019 World Cup, due to its attractive outlook. Enjoyed the recent success of the black men made in France.
And that suspense was only enhanced when the Emerald Isle men claimed 29-20 to Ian Foster’s side in Dublin last November.
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This resulted in three notable wins at the last five conferences in Ireland, following a historic 40-29 win in Chicago in 2016 and a 16-9 win in Dublin in 2018. ..
But can they now take the next step and defeat the All Blacks in their backyard?
Their three-game series begins with the difficult outlook of trying to do business in Auckland’s Eden Park. This is where the All Blacks haven’t lost for 28 years (44 wins, two draws since falling to France in 1994).
Charles McKillan / Getty Images
Beauden Barrett will play when the All Blacks are defeated by Ireland in Dublin last November.
Outside of Foster, assistant coaches John Plumtree and Scott McCloud, midfielder David Habili and Jack Goodhue, and Will Jordan, everything was early positive for Covid-19. , It wasn’t the smoothest preparation for the host. I was forced to quarantine with the week.
It brought a fascinating subplot. Following this series, Joe Schmidt, who will take over from Grant Fox as a selector, was brought in to help the team’s coach this week.
Schmidt, of course, led Ireland from 2013 to 2019 and designed their first two victories against the All Blacks.
He is in contact with Scrum coach Greg Feek, who played the same role under Schmidt in Ireland.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Joe Schmidt talks to Aaron Smith after being called to help the All Blacks coach this week.
Here’s everything you need to know before the first of these appetizing test matches:
game
Rugby quiz: All Blacks v Ireland, first test
Where: Auckland, Eden Park
when: Saturday, July 2, 7:05 pm
live broadcast: Sky Sport 1, live update thing
team
All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (Captain), Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Geor reserve: Samisoni Taukeiaho, Karl Ta’avao, Angus Ta’avao, Pita Gas Sowakura, Dalton Paparii, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo’unga, Braidon Ener.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Gary Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson Park, Kelan Doris, Josh van der Flyer, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan Andrew Porter. reserve: Dan Hefernan, Finlay Bealham, Cian Healy, Keeran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Bundee Aki.
Referee
Referee: Karl Dixon (England)
Assistant referee: Wayne Barnes (England), Jordan Way (Australia)
OMT: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
weather
partly cloudy. The southwest is gradually relaxing. Maximum 15 ℃, minimum 8 ℃.
Odds
All Blacks $ 1.27, Ireland $ 3.60
history
whole: 33 games, All Blacks wins: 29, draws: 1, Ireland wins: 3
new zealand: 12 Plays, All Blacks Victory: 12
Last meeting: Ireland 29 All Blacks 20, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, November 13, 2021
Big story
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Will Jordan be set to miss the first two Irish tests after being up to date to go down with Covid?
“King Kong” Schmidt: Ireland’s vigilance against AB’s new coaching weapons
“Cool Challenge”: Sam Whitelock ready to step up in the absence of a coach
All blacks swear to be hit by Covid in one fell swoop:’We are seamless. Don’t miss the beat “
Take Five: Answer important questions about Schmidt’s role in the All Blacks
Joe Schmidt called to help the All Blacks on the Covid
Ireland warned to expect “dirty, dirty, angry” All Blacks