After two mixed performances to kick off the Nations Championship, all roads lead to Auckland this weekend as Ireland take on New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.
Andy Farrell’s men have already earned wins over Australia and Japan this summer, although its fair to say that they were not at their best in either game. They will certainly need to improve in order to have any chance of pulling off a shock this weekend, with the All Blacks undefeated at Eden Park since 1994.
Ireland will field the strongest team available for this fixture, having rotated the side for the win over Japan last weekend. It will kick off at 8.10am Irish time.
We have all the Ireland v New Zealand team news for you in one place right here.
Andy Farrell to name Ireland team for New Zealand clash
Andy Farrell named his Ireland for the game against New Zealand late Wednesday evening Irish time.
Rob Baloucoune will start on the wing. Jimmy O’Brien is the surprise inclusion on the wing with Jamie Osborne not involved in the matchday 23. Nor is Cian Prendergast who started at 6 against the Wallabies. Farrell has opted to start Tadhg Beirne in the backrow with James Ryan starting beside Joe McCarthy in the second row. Jeremy Loughman starts from the bench, with Bundee Aki wearing the number 23 shirt.
Our team for Saturday night at Eden Park. 👊 pic.twitter.com/5BoeL3WCff
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 15, 2026
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Ireland backs coach Andrew Goodman said this week that Baloucoune’s return to fitness will be a major boost for the team.
To have Rob [Baloucoune] back training and fit, he obviously had an amazing Six Nations for us and we were looking forward to getting him going from week one.
It’s a shame he pulled up with an injury, but he’s charging around training again today. It creates a healthy dilemma for us as coaches and some good discussions.
New Zealand team news
Leinster most recent All Black recruit, Riko Ioane, has been recalled to the New Zealand squad ahead of this weekend’s game.
They will be without key man Scott Barrett for the game, while doubts also linger over the fitness of Fehi Fineanganofo and Leroy Carter.
Former Leinster man Jordie Barrett is set to feature, with both him and Ioane possessing valuable knowledge of the Ireland setup.
Who is already ruled out of the Ireland squad?
A number of big name Ireland players are not part of the squad this summer due to injury.
In the pack, Caelan Doris, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Edwin Edogbo and Paddy McCarthy are not part of the travelling party.
The backline is where Ireland are most depleted, with Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien and Calvin Nash ruled out on the wings and Jack Crowley unavailable at fly-half. Shayne Bolton is also ruled out in the centre.