The time has almost come for Ireland to take to the field against the All Blacks. With three wins from their last five games against the Kiwis, Andy Farrell will be eager to find a first ever test win for an Irish side in New Zealand. Here's all the information you need to know including how to watch Ireland v New Zealand.
When is Ireland v New Zealand?
Kick off in Eden Park is at 8am on Saturday the 2nd of July.
How to Watch Ireland v New Zealand
Coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event from 7:30am.
Form Guide
An inexperienced Ireland XV took to the pitch on Wednesday for their opening game of the summer tour against the Maori All Blacks. Despite tries from Bundee Aki and Gavin Coombes, it was the home side who emerged victorious with a 32-17 win.
It was a great opportunity for some players to gain experience against tough opposition while wearing the green jerseys and there were debuts for the likes of Jimmy O'Brien, Ciaran Frawley, Cian Prendergast, Joe McCarthy and Jeremy Loughman.
After the game, Andy Farrell spoke about a number of injuries suffered by his side ahead of Saturday's game.
Andy Farrell said:
"It is what it is, we’ll have a good think on the way back to Auckland tonight,
"Cian (Healy) doesn’t look too good but I wouldn’t like to… he was in a bit of pain coming off the field. It’s settled down a bit so we’ll see with him.
"Jimmy came off with a strain. He thinks it’s a strain. He’s feeling pretty good in the changing rooms. James has a bit of a groin injury that needs assessment tomorrow.
"Jeremy Loughman actually passed his HIA by the independent doctor. We brought him off as a precaution and brought Cian off and then that happens to Cian, which is not nice really."
That defeat to France will likely still be in the minds of Ireland, with that one Six Nations defeat bringing an end to their championship and Grand Slam chances with Les Bleus taking home the honours.
The All Blacks are undefeated since their 29-20 loss in Dublin last November. They've recorded wins against Wales, Italy and USA since the entertaining clash in the Aviva Stadium.
Team News
Andy Farrell has named an experienced starting XV for this weekend's first test. Only Peter O'Mahony and Keith Earls retain their places from Wednesday's defeat to the Maori All Blacks.
Here's the full Ireland team:
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton (Captain)
9. Jamison Gibson Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris
Cian Healy has recovered from injury and is available from the replacement bench. Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Kieran Treadwell and Jack Conan make up the replacement options for the pack with Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Bundee Aki also named on the bench.
For New Zealand, there's two debutants in line for their first cap in Leicester Fainga'Anuka on the wing and Pita Gus Sowakula on the bench.
Here's the full All Blacks starting XV.
1.George Bower
2. Codie Taylor
3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Scott Barrett
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Sevu Reece
15. Jordie Barrett
SEE ALSO: Tough Homecoming For Aki As Ireland Taught Lesson By Maori All Blacks
