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: 96.0
Units Back: 115.6
Overall Result: +19.6
Games Bet: 29 | Total Bets: 36 | Bets Won: 20 | Bets Lost: 16
New Zealand vs Ireland – Test Match 3 Preview
New Zealand vs Ireland
Saturday 16th July 2022 @ 5:05pm AEST – Sky Stadium, Wellington
Well, this is it, this is the decider. After what was a very weird test match last weekend, Ireland will be looking to pour salt into the wound of New Zealand Rugby by leaving the shores as winners of this test match series. Ireland showed plenty of fight and tenacity last week, in a game that in the end was ultimately decided by the referee’s whistle and interruptions from the TMO. Both teams were ill-disciplined conceding 14 penalties apiece but the difference ended up being the cards, where the All-Blacks conceded two yellow cards and a red card in dramatic circumstances and Ireland polished off three penalty goals, which in the end, was a big difference.
The All-Blacks coach has been under the microscope following last weekend’s loss and the fans haven’t been happy with the sub-par standard in terms of results, which is held to a high standard in New Zealand. This is a big test match for not only the players but the coach, and it could either breathe new life into the squad or put the final nail into the coffin.
After staying out of the match last week and watching Ireland do what I thought they would do in the first test, I am conflicted about whether I should play this match or not. New Zealand will be looking to restore some pride in front of a sold-out crowd in Wellington and most times, you cannot keep a great team down. But this is an Irish outfit that looks like the best Irish team in many years, and they will be still on a high from their historic victory in the second test.
I think I will have two small bets on the match as I think Ireland is on the brink of walking away with this test series.
Predictions:
Tip: Ireland ($3.50)
Line: Ireland +9.5 ($1.94)
Margin: Ireland 1-12 ($4.50)
*Prices via TAB as of 14/07/22
Bet:
Ireland H2H – 1u @ $3.50
Ireland +9.5 – 1.1u @ $1.94