Ireland vs. New Zealand: Essential Information for the Autumn International

The rugby teams of Ireland and New Zealand are set to compete in their initial autumn international game in Dublin this Friday, commencing at 20:10 GMT. This fixture has evolved into one of the most eagerly awaited encounters in global rugby. The latest installment of the Ireland versus New Zealand rivalry will unfold in Dublin on the evening of Friday, 8 November, with live coverage available through BBC Sport. Essential details regarding the match are provided below. New Zealand has eliminated Ireland from the previous two World Cups during the quarter-final phase. For 111 years, spanning 28 matches, this rivalry was largely dominated by the All Blacks, who secured 27 victories and one draw. However, a notable match in Chicago in November 2016 marked Ireland’s initial win against them, shifting the dynamic of the rivalry. Two years later, Ireland achieved another significant milestone with their first victory over New Zealand on Irish ground, triumphing 16-9 in Dublin. Despite this, the All Blacks upheld their formidable reputation by decisively defeating Ireland in the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals in Japan. Ireland retaliated with a win in Dublin in 2021, followed by an even more significant achievement the subsequent summer: they not only secured their first-ever victory against New Zealand on New Zealand’s home soil but also recovered from a one-game deficit to win the series 2-1. Nevertheless, New Zealand once again prevailed in the World Cup held in France. Although Ireland demonstrated excellent form, including a victory over South Africa in the group stages, the All Blacks again ended Irish aspirations with another win in the quarter-finals. The upcoming Friday match represents the first encounter between the teams since that World Cup fixture, and it also follows former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton’s remarks concerning Reiko Ioane, suggesting a potentially intense contest. New Zealand experienced a surprising defeat against Argentina in their initial Rugby Championship match. Ireland, however, has recovered effectively since their World Cup elimination, securing consecutive Six Nations titles earlier this year. Their sole setback occurred against England, where Marcus Smith scored a last-minute drop goal. Ireland’s summer tour included a visit to South Africa, a rivalry that has intensified recently; despite the Springboks winning the first game, Ciaran Frawley’s remarkable late drop goal equalized the series. The All Blacks approach this match following a dramatic 24-22 victory over England on Saturday, having previously defeated Japan in their first autumn fixture. Earlier in the summer, they twice overcame Steve Borthwick’s team, but their Rugby Championship season began with a loss, being unexpectedly beaten by Argentina. They subsequently rebounded against the Pumas before suffering two defeats against the eventual champions, South Africa, concluding their campaign with two wins against Australia. Ireland appears to be in relatively strong condition for their initial autumn international game. Hugo Keenan rejoins the Ireland squad after participating in the Paris Olympics during the summer and missing the South Africa series. Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and wing Mack Hansen are also back from injury. Ciaran Frawley is deemed fit following a knock sustained while playing for Leinster, and Caelan Doris will lead Ireland as captain due to Peter O’Mahony’s ongoing injury struggles. The primary concern for Lions-bound head coach Andy Farrell lies in the hooker position, where regular starter Dan Sheehan is injured, and both Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring have had restricted playing time since recovering from their respective absences. As anticipated from an All Blacks team, they have brought numerous well-known players to the northern hemisphere, though fly-half Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor both incurred injuries during the match against England. Regardless of the squad announced by head coach Scott Robertson on Wednesday afternoon, the encounter in Dublin is expected to be a significant one. The match will be available for live listening on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster. Additionally, a live text commentary will be provided on the BBC Sport website and app, where post-match reactions will also be accessible following the final whistle.