Sport

Ireland vs New Zealand: Everything you need to know like first test time, TV slot, venue, and squad details

IRELAND FACE A mammoth first test against the New Zealand in Eden Park, Auckland in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Ireland are looking to beat the All-Blacks for the second time in the space of a year, and the 4th time in 6 years.

The problem for Ireland is that New Zealand's record at Eden Park is impeccable. The All Blacks last defeat in the venue came way back in 1994.

Ireland have named a strong side for the game with 10 of the players that bested the three-time in November starting tomorrow. New Zealand have also named a formidable side in the opening game.

One of the biggest talking points of the week was the Joe Schmidt's fast track into the New Zealand setup. The All Blacks have been hit with Covid cases, meaning that the former Ireland coach, who was meant to begin work with New Zealand as a selector after the tour will now start ahead of schedule.

During the week Ireland's second string side were humbled against the Maori All Blacks 32-17, so this test will provide ample evidence to see how we contend with the world's best ahead of a World Cup year.

Here are details for the game tomorrow.

Counting down the hours! 👊#TeamOfUs | #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/Ytj7FXLJGF

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 30, 2022

Time

The game will kick off at 8.05am Irish time kick-off, so it's best you get up early.

Location

The game will take place at Eden Park in Auckland

TV station

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action will start their coverage starting at 7.30am.

Radio

If you don't have a TV, you can hear the game on RTÉ 2fm.

Officials

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU), Assistant Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU), Assistant Referee: Jordan Way (RA), TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

What the coaches have said

Andy Farrell: "We’re under no illusions of what we’re up against. Any type of performance that we’ve had before where we’ve managed to get over the line, that won’t do this weekend, I’m sure about that.

Ian Foster: "It's a great series for us. We like the pressure of this series. I've said for the last couple of months, I think it is ideal for us."

Starting teams and subs

Ireland – H Keenan; K Earls G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Lowe; J Sexton (capt), J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, J Ryan; P O'Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Reps: D Heffernan, F Bealham, C Healy, K Treadwell, J Conan, C Murray, J Carbery, B Aki.

New Zealand - J Barrett; S Reece, R Ioane, Q Tupaea, L Fainga’anuku; B Barrett, A Smith; G Bower, C Taylor, O Tu’ungafasi, B Retallick, S Whitelock, S Barrett, S Cane (capt), A Savea.