- 1 New Zealand vs Ireland : a heavyweight clash in the title race
- 2 New Zealand are back to front-foot rugby
- 3 Ireland arrive in Auckland with no fear
- 4 Likely line-ups :
- 5 Nations Championship prediction : New Zealand vs Ireland
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
New Zealand vs Ireland : a heavyweight clash in the title race 
The Nations Championship has delivered one of the most anticipated fixtures of the competition so far. On Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand and Ireland will be playing for far more than a third straight win. Both sides have made a perfect start, banking two bonus-point victories apiece, and they know a result here would give them a huge edge heading into the second half of the tournament.
The All Blacks are coming off an attacking masterclass against Italy, 47-17, just days after edging France in one of those mad, end-to-end Tests, 34-32. Ireland, meanwhile, handled tricky trips to Australia, 33-31, and Japan, 36-20. Two teams in form, two attacks firing on all cylinders and Eden Park, where New Zealand love to run the show: it has all the ingredients for a proper top-level battle.
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New Zealand are back to front-foot rugby 
Dave Rennie could hardly have asked for a better start. In two games, his side have scored 12 tries and taken the full haul of points. The patterns are already there and, with ball in hand, they look more dangerous by the week.
Against Italy, the All Blacks had to wait before taking control. They were behind for the first half-hour before shifting gears after the break. Once the gaps opened up, the difference was obvious. Will Jordan helped himself to a hat-trick, while Cam Roigard once again made his presence felt around the rucks with his quick-fire tempo.
Ireland are a different proposition altogether. Still, New Zealand have won their last three meetings with the men in green, including that World Cup quarter-final in 2023. That history will do nothing to hurt the confidence of a side that looks to have rediscovered its attacking bite.
Ireland arrive in Auckland with no fear 
Ireland have earned their place among the contenders. Their hard-fought win in Australia on matchday one showed the steel in a group that does not know when it is beaten. A week later, despite several changes to the starting XV, they overpowered Japan and crossed for five tries.
There is real continuity in this squad. Gibson-Park is still dictating the pace, Ringrose remains a vital outlet in midfield and Dan Sheehan is now wearing the captain’s armband with real composure. That experienced core keeps Ireland competitive even when a few regular starters are rested.
The challenge is massive. Very few teams leave Auckland with a win, and even fewer do it against a New Zealand side playing with this much confidence. To spring a surprise, Andy Farrell’s men will have to slow down the All Blacks’ tempo and cut out the errors that so often hand the home side easy points.
Likely line-ups :
New Zealand : McKenzie – Jordan, Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Moorby – Love, Roigard – Savea (cap.), Jacobson, Vaa’i – Tuipulotu, Lord – Lomax, Taylor, De Groot.
Ireland : Keenan – Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O’Brien – Prendergast, Gibson-Park – Conan, Van der Flier, Beirne – Ryan, McCarthy – Furlong, Sheehan (cap.), O’Toole.
Nations Championship prediction : New Zealand vs Ireland
New Zealand to win and over 51.5 points in the match
This one has the makings of a high-scoring contest. From the start of the tournament, both sides have shown real ambition with the ball and have not been content just to kick and chase. New Zealand have already racked up 81 points, while Ireland have scored 69 in only two rounds.
The All Blacks look to have rediscovered their ability to turn the screw the moment they get clean ball. Roigard’s work around the breakdown, McKenzie’s range and Will Jordan’s constant running lines keep opposition defences on the back foot. Even a well-drilled side like Ireland could spend long spells under pressure.
The men in green have enough quality to trouble the scoreboard too. They should find openings through their possession game and Gibson-Park’s sharp distribution. But at home, in a ground where they usually raise their level, New Zealand have the edge. A New Zealand win with more than 51.5 points looks the likeliest outcome.
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