Ireland vs New Zealand Preview & Prediction | 2023 Rugby World Cup | Quarter-Final
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THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs New Zealand on and what time does it start? Ireland vs New Zealand will take place on Saturday 14th October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs New Zealand taking place? Ireland vs New Zealand will take place at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France
Where can I get tickets for Ireland vs New Zealand? Click here for the latest ticket information for Ireland vs New Zealand
What channel is Ireland vs New Zealand on in the UK? Ireland vs New Zealand will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Ireland vs New Zealand in the UK? Ireland vs New Zealand can be streamed live on ITVX
THE SQUADS
IRELAND
Starting 15: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, McCarthy, Conan, Murray, Crowley, O'Brien
NEW ZEALAND
Starting 15: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Fainga'anuku; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax; Retallick, S Barrett; Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea
Replacements: Coles, Williams, Newell, Whitelock, Papali’i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
It was a hugely impressive pool stage for the number one-ranked team in the world, with Andy Farrell’s men recording four victories from four, including their 13-8 victory over South Africa.
Ireland have somewhat surprisingly never made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, and in order to do so here they will need to overcome the intimidating All Blacks, although Farrell has every reason to believe his team have the tools to overcome the Kiwis.
NEW ZEALAND
After defeat to France in their opener, New Zealand went on a rampage and racked up an incredible 240 points in wins over Namibia, Italy and Uruguay, for the loss of just 20 points.
The All Blacks – three-time winners of the World Cup – have no doubt been impressive in attack but they will likely find Ireland to be the toughest defence they have faced to date. They also lost a three-game series to Ireland in July last year, so they are aware of the strength of the team they are facing.
THE PREDICTION
This is a hugely appetising encounter and one that feels like it is happening too early in the tournament, but there represents a huge opportunity for one of these sides to at least reach the final should they come through this contest. New Zealand have been free-flowing in their last three games but they are coming up against an elite defence here, so this could very well turn out to be a tight, attritional affair similar to the match that the Irish played against South Africa in the pool stage. Ireland’s defence has proven it can withstand extreme pressure in the tournament so far, and we’re backing them to edge a tight contest against the All Blacks.
BETTING TIP: IRELAND TO WIN
