New Zealand Takes on Ireland in Nations Championship

All Blacks Shake Up Squad

Coach Dave Rennie has handed rookie flyhalf Ruben Love a start against Ireland, marking his first appearance in the Nations Championship. The 145‑test World Cup winner Beauden Barrett is again left out of the matchday 23. Rennie also keeps winger Josh Moorby in the lineup after his strong debut off the bench in last week’s win over Italy.

Veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu earns his first start of the season, while flanker Tupo Vaa’i shifts to the back row. Five changes were made to the side that defeated Italy 47‑17, and nine changes were introduced compared to the 23 that beat France 34‑32 earlier in the championship. The squad aims to build on combinations tested in the opening rounds.

Ireland Restore Full Strength

Andy Farrell has restored his side to full strength by making nine changes to the squad that beat Japan 36‑20 last week. Back winger Rob Boloucoune returns after a hamstring injury, joining centre Garry Ringrose, flyhalf Sam Prendergast, fullback Hugo Keenan, scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park, back rower Josh van der Flier, lock Joe McCarthy, hooker/captain Dan Sheehan and prop Tadhg Furlong. Six players from the Japan win and 13 from the victory over Australia 33‑21 remain in the group.

The Irish squad looks balanced, with experience and recent form highlighted by Farrell’s selections. The return of key back‑line players signals a push to maintain Ireland’s unbeaten status in the tournament.

Battle for Unbeaten Record

New Zealand enters Eden Park with a 52‑test, 32‑year unbeaten streak on the line. Coach Rennie calls Ireland “one of the best sides in the world” with deep experience and recent success on New Zealand soil. The venue’s historic record adds pressure, and Rennie says his selections reward players who have impressed over the last two rounds.

Both nations are unbeaten after two rounds, making the clash a potential turning point in the Nations Championship. The All Blacks’ focus on building combinations suggests they aim to extend the streak despite a rejuvenated Irish side.

Backbench Depth Takes Center Stage

Rennie highlighted the importance of the bench, naming winger Caleb Clarke and back rower Peter Lakai among the reserves. Both featured against France earlier in the campaign. The coach emphasized that players capable of influencing the game’s flow will be ready to step up against Ireland’s tenacity.

Shrugging off injuries to wingers Fehi Fineanganofo and Leroy Carter, the All Blacks lean on Moorby and the fresh bench options. The depth could prove decisive in a tightly contested encounter at Eden Park.

Final Lineups and Key Matchups

New Zealand’s starting XV includes Damian McKenzie at fullback, Will Jordan on the wing, Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett in the midfield, with Ruben Love at flyhalf. The pack features Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Tyrel Lomax at tighthead, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. The bench boasts Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert‑Brown, and Caleb Clarke.

Ireland’s backline starts with Hugo Keenan, Rob Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jimmy O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson‑Park. The forwards are captained by Dan Sheehan, with Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, and Tom O’Toole. Their reserves include Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Nick Timoney, Sean Jansen, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, and Bundee Aki.