Ireland begin their thrilling three-match Test series against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland this morning, looking to make history by beating the All Blacks on home soil for the first time. Ireland had not beaten New Zealand anywhere in the world despite 111 years of trying until they finally triumphed in memorable style in Chicago in 2016, but have since won three of the five games the two sides have played. However, improving Ian Foster’s troops at Eden Park will be a mammoth task as the All Blacks have not lost on Auckland soil – to any opposition – since 1994. They also have some inside knowledge, with former Ireland manager Joe Schmidt on their coaching staff after the local Kiwi was brought in at short notice to fill the holes left by the Covid-19 isolations. However, Andy Farrell’s men finished runners-up in this year’s Six Nations, with their only defeat coming at Grand Slam champions France, as they look to peak in time for the Rugby World Cup, which starts in just 14 months’ time. Follow all the action from Eden Park below with our live blog:
New Zealand vs Ireland live updates
Show latest update 1656751960
New Zealand 42-12 Ireland, 73 mins
Best of Ireland Robbie Henshaw fends off Braydon Ennor as he makes good progress on the outside arc. Boden Barrett makes little effort to give up a ruck and Ireland return to the New Zealand 22. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:52 1656751694
TRY IT! NEW ZEALAND 42-12 Ireland (Pita Gus Sowakula try, 71 mins)
A test for the debut of the great Pita Gus Sowakula! Back to the scrum for New Zealand, Angus Ta’avao’s push opens up space on the right for Sowakula. He passes with intense intent, finding little resistance from the Irish defense and diving under the posts. He is a popular figure and is mobbed by his teammates as the biggest smile spreads across his face. Jordy Barrett pops two more off the tee. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:48 1656751663
New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 69 mins
Another penalty for New Zealand in the shadow of the Irish posts. They opt for the scrum, which was pretty useless for most of the evening. Karl Dickson whistles – Ireland asked to break down from the loose side, where Andrew Porter is still battling. They will go again. You wonder if Cian Healy is really fit enough to play any role. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:47 1656751570
New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 66 mins
Two of world rugby’s strongest men clash in midfield, Ardi Savea making quick work of a thunderous Tadhg Furlong, grappling like a judoka as they battle for physical superiority. Prices even when they collapse on the spot. Sam Whitelock is another in black who had a really good night in Auckland and gets a turnover. More changes for both sides – Braydon Ennor and Dalton Papalii are in for the All Blacks, while Tom O’Toole and Kieran Treadwell have been brought in by Andy Farrell. Dave Heffernan’s stay on the pitch is unfortunately short-lived – shortly after coming on for Dan Sheehan, Heffernan is forced off through injury. Pity the Connacht whore. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:46 1656751213
New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 63 mins
This was another excellent performance from Brodie Retallick, not that we should expect anything different from a modern master of the second series. He looks in moments of real discomfort before taking his place in the New Zealand line, but nevertheless rises to the air with a grimace, coming down and single-handedly ending Ireland’s chances of any sort of progress with a drive. Then he runs, replaced by Pita Gus Sowakula, who earns a well-deserved debut. Installing him at number eight will require a reshuffle in the back-five – Ardie Savea moves to the flanks and Scott Barrett to the engine room. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:40 1656751051
New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 61 mins
Changes for the All Blacks – Finlay Christie is in for Aaron Smith and Karl Tu’inukuafe is in for George Bower. Richie Mo’unga has also been in the process – he’s now at ten, Beauden Barrett at fifteen, Jordie Barrett at twelve, with Quinn Tupaea’s day done. B Barrett’s clearance kick flies wide but Ireland’s latest lineout mishandling gives New Zealand a second chance to strike, this time through the safety of their 22. Ireland lineout beyond the ten meters . Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:37 1656750914
No effort! New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 59 mins
Clever pop from Peter O’Mahony to Josh van der Flier and the side is finished under the posts! Or is he? The All Blacks are unsure, and the replays show why – Van der Flier strikes! Wow! Another vital tackle from Rieko Ioane, this time with a hand on the ball as the Irish openside looked certain to crash, loosening it up! Ireland shake their heads. Two almost specific scores start in succession. Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 09:35 1656750733
No effort! New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 58 mins
Is not! Referee and TMO agree that the tackle is only on the shoulder and therefore not high. No try, no penalty, and indeed no penalty for this incident. Ireland were earlier offside to come back. Dan Sheehan puts the ball on the floor, tapping his boot and asking his forwards to join him for another knock on New Zealand’s door… Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:32 1656750632
Try; New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 58 mins
It looks like Carbery may just have lost his grip on the ball as he approaches the line. They are close, but there seems to be a separation. Now, on to Rieko Ioane’s tackle. Is it high? Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:30 1656750540
Try; New Zealand 35-12 Ireland, 58 mins
Can Ireland strike? Again their continuity is good as forwards and backs use the ball comfortably. Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong combine nicely. So now – has Joey Carbery made it? Did a high tackle stop him? Karl Dickson called for a consultation with Marius van der Westhuizen… Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 09:29
