Ireland host New Zealand in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a highly anticipated rematch of their clash in Chicago two weeks ago.
The form
Ireland have won two from two of their November tests so far. This follows on the back of a history-making first win against the Boks on South African soil in June. Last week Ireland ran out comfortable winners against Canada.
New Zealand went through the Rugby Championship unbeaten, setting a new world record for consecutive victories. That run was ended by the Irish in Chicago but they bounced back with a ten-try demolition of Italy last week.
Brodie Retallic – he and Sam Whitehouse missed Chicago match
Last time they met
Chicago two weeks ago is still fresh in the memory and New Zealand have a chance to scratch this scab before it festers.
Ireland outplayed the All Blacks for large parts of the game and found an extra gear to put the game beyond doubt as New Zealand looked on for another heart breaking comeback.
Team news
The big team news for New Zealand is the return of locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. Both were sorely missed in Chicago not only for their set piece prowess but also their work around the field. Israel Dagg also returns to the team on the wing.
Jerome Kaino, who filled it at lock two weeks ago, misses out with a calf strain. As a result New Zealand will start with the same back row as at Soldier Field—Squire, Cane and Read.
Ireland have made just one change from their starting Chicago team. Openside flanker Jordi Murphy is out with a knee injury and replaced by Sean O’Brien, who returned from his own injury against Canada last weekend and looked underdone. Fit-again Iain Henderson and Paddy Jackson replace Ultan Dillane and Joey Carbery on the bench.
Key players and matchups
The return of Retallick and Whitelock is a big boon for the All Blacks. Their lineout struggled in Soldier Field but they have a chance to turn the tables if they can put pressure on Rory Best’s throw. Devin Toner and friends may find themselves more concerned with securing their own ball rather than attacking the New Zealand throw. It’s shaping up to be a fascinating contest.
Conor Murray – form scrumhalf in world rugby; will come up against Aaron Smith again
Aaron Smith is preferred ahead of TJ Pernara and together with Barrett they face off against Murray and Sexton in the halves. The Irish duo came out on top in Chicago but there’s no doubting the quality of their opposite numbers. Expect the Irish pair to be under more pressure and how they handle it may swing the game.
Game plans
Last time Ireland put numbers into the breakdown and it paid off big time as they secured a number of turnovers. They also used the pick and go to exploit soft defending around the edge of rucks. Expect New Zealand to be more aggressive at the breakdown and for Ireland to have to work much harder for any turnovers or go forward.
Ireland were majestic in the air and it was both a good way to make metres and relieve pressure in the second half. With Dagg returning to the All Blacks’ back three along side Ben Smith they should be more competitive under the high ball.
Schmidt knows his tactics worked last time out but there’s no doubt that Hansen will have had his boys working on counters.
New Zealand will look to start aggressively and blow the Irish away ending the game as a contest early. Ireland will have to be ready and have something up their sleeve to give them an edge. The All Blacks won’t be as sloppy this time around; so Ireland are going to have to raise their game again.
Ireland v New Zealand, Chicago – can they do it again?
Prediction
New Zealand see this as a revenge mission and will be fired up. Historically Ireland have struggled to motivate themselves when not cast as complete outsiders. With some in the camp talking about the importance of the performance over the result I have to go for the Kiwis.
New Zealand by 10
Team lists and match details
Team Lists
Ireland
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Rob Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo; 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6. CJ Stander, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Garry Ringrose.
New Zealand
15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Waisake Naholo
Match Details
Date: Saturday, November 19
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 17:30 local, 04:30 AEDT (Sun)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Ian Davies (Wales)
TMO: Jon Mason (Wales)
