New Zealand vs Ireland

New Zealand vs Ireland Test Series

New Zealand will host Ireland in a three-match test series that puts two of the best teams in the world head-to-head in a mouthwatering clash.

Test Match 1: Saturday 2nd July 2022 @ 5:05pm AEST – Eden Park, Auckland

Test Match 2: Saturday 9th July 2022 @ 5:05pm AEST – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Test Match 3: Saturday 16th July 2022 @ 5:05pm AEST – Sky Stadium, Wellington

History between New Zealand and Ireland

Prior to this test series being played, New Zealand and Ireland have faced each other 33 times in all competitions since 1905, with New Zealand dominating the Irish 29-3 with one draw. In New Zealand, the Irish are yet to post a win, losing all 12 matches against the All-Blacks.

The recent years have been much kinder to the Irish as they have developed much better players. Since 2016, these two teams have faced off five times with the Irish winning three of those, winning their first-ever match against New Zealand in a test match played in the United States.

November last year was the last time these two teams faced off, which was in the 2021 Autumn International, where Ireland stunned the All-Blacks by 9 points in front of their home fans in Ireland. Although history hasn’t been too kind to the Irish, they are seen as a big threat in 2022 and are a big chance to get their maiden win on New Zealand soil.

Rugby Union Bets Overall (2022):

Units Used: 87.0
Units Back: 107.8
Overall Result: +20.8

Games Bet: 26 | Total Bets: 31 | Bets Won: 18 | Bets Lost: 13

New Zealand vs Ireland – Test Match 1 Preview

Saturday 02/07/2022, 05:05pm AEST at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand will be looking for revenge after Ireland handed them a loss in their one meeting last year. A lot has happened since that meeting and it will be interesting to see how each team has evolved.

Ireland had a semi-successful Six Nations campaign which had only one loss, to the undefeated France outfit in France by a mere six points. Since the end of the Six Nations, it’s been club rugby until their loss to the New Zealand Maori on the 29/06, which barely had any first-team players playing. New Zealand was very much the same with 2022 being the inaugural year for the Super Rugby Pacific, where it was indeed two New Zealand teams in the final.

Ireland will be worried about their start to their tour following the loss to the New Zealand Maori, but the All-Blacks aren’t without their own problems. Six members of the camp have been hit with COVID in the lead-up which includes Coach Ian Foster, two of his assistants, and three players in David Havili, Jack Goodhue, and the talented Will Jordan. But the All-Blacks have the depth to cover but many don’t have the X factor of Jordan.

Much like the other test match between Australia and England, this game may have a bit of rust throughout which will see errors galore and discipline become a real factor. New Zealand has the pressure on their heads despite being beaten by Ireland in Dublin and this pressure builds due to having to perform for the high expectations of their home fans.

New Zealand is who I have tipped to win this game but Ireland has the skills and talent to keep this closer than what people think, providing they are ready to rock and roll. Providing they are ready and perform at a high standard, this is going to be their best chance to knock of the All-Blacks on their home soil, something they have never done.

Predictions:

Tip: New Zealand ($1.23)

Line: Ireland +11.5 ($1.95)

Margin: New Zealand 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via TAB as of 29/06/22

Bet: Going to be playing this super safe as I really think the opening game between these two could go either way and on New Zealand’s behalf, it could also be big. The Irish definitely won’t win 13+, but they might be able to sneak a win in the opening game as this team is a lot better than what the Irish have produced previously. New Zealand on the other hand could put points on real quick and make it a bloodbath. I am going to take Ireland with an 11.5 start, just a small bet, so we can watch and learn.

Ireland +11.5 | 1.5u @ $1.95