Ireland vs New Zealand: Autumn Nations Series Opener Sees Irish Side Seeking World Cup Revenge

The highly anticipated Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and New Zealand kicked off at 8.10pm GMT on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams since the All Blacks narrowly defeated Ireland 28-24 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Ireland, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, are seeking revenge and looking to continue their impressive home form under coach Andy Farrell. Since Farrell took charge, Ireland have won 25 of their 26 home games, including the last 19 in a row. However, they face a New Zealand side that has shown resilience, having started their European tour with a narrow win over England last weekend.

The All Blacks have been dealt significant blows with key players Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor ruled out due to head injuries sustained during the match against England. Damian McKenzie and Asafo Aumua have been called into the starting lineup to replace them.

Ireland’s lineup includes Ronan Kelleher at hooker, Finlay Bealham at tighthead prop due to Tadhg Furlong‘s hamstring injury, and Mack Hansen making his first appearance since the World Cup quarter-final. Jack Crowley has been selected ahead of Ciaran Frawley at fly-half.

The match is available to watch live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. Subscribers can also stream the game via the Discovery+ app and website. In the United States, the match is streaming live on Peacock.

Ireland’s confidence is high, with lock Joe McCarthy expressing that the team has “earned the right” to feel confident facing the All Blacks. The Irish side is captained by Caelan Doris, who is ranked as one of the top players in the world.

The odds favor Ireland, with a 4/9 chance of winning, while New Zealand is at 11/5. The draw is priced at 25/1.