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Andy Farrell’s side have been sensational so far in the tournament, passing what looked to be a tricky tests with flying colours as they picked up wins over South Africa and Scotland to top Pool B in superb fashion.
This is the fourth World Cup in a row that Ireland have made it to the quarter-final stage, and the eighth time in their history, but they have not once progressed to the last-four.
If they are to break new ground, the lopsided nature of the draw means they must produce another statement win, with the All Blacks looking to ensure they do not fail to make the semi-finals for just the second time ever.
New Zealand fell to defeat in the tournament opener against France, but the response has been emphatic as expected. Huge wins have been racked up against Namibia, Italy and Uruguay, though this is now a major step-up as they face the number-one ranked side in the world.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland takes place on Saturday October 14, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Stade de Frace in Paris will host the Irish again, having also been the venue for their victories over South Africa and Scotland.
New Zealand have scored 36 tries across their last three matches
/ Getty ImagesWhere to watch Ireland vs New Zealand
TV channel: Ireland vs New Zealand is available to watch live and free to air today in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7:15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the quarter-final action live online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Follow the game live on matchday with Standard Sport’s blog.
Ireland vs New Zealand team news
Ireland wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe were both forced off in the win over Scotland, though there is hope that the pair will recover in time to be available against the All Blacks.
Lowe took a blow to his eye that impacted his vision, while Hansen picked up a calf injury having returned to the pitch after an HIA, but Ireland team manager Mick Kearney has confirmed they are both making “good strides”.
James Ryan is seeing a specialist about his hand injury, with Ireland not yet ruling him out of being available this weekend, and Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls are both expected to overcome hamstring issues to be in contention.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has some selection dilemmas to consider after his side’s big win over Uruguay.
Damian McKenzie in particular was in sparkling form, while Leicester Fainga’anuku scored a hat-trick to push his case for a place in the squad as the serious business of the knockout stages begins.
There was a significant boost for the All Blacks as captain Sam Cane recovered from a back injury to make his first start of the tournament, and the experience of Sam Whitelock, a two-time World Cup winner, will be crucial.
James Lowe came off with an eye injury at half-time in the win over Scotland
/ REUTERSIreland vs New Zealand lineups
Check back in later in the week when both sides announce their lineups!
Ireland vs New Zealand referee
The officials for this weekend’s quarter-final have not yet been confirmed.
Ireland vs New Zealand prediction
After two low-key matches to begin the tournament, the pressure on Ireland swiftly cranked up.
They have very much risen to the occasion, coming through a bruising encounter with defending champions South Africa before blowing Scotland away in the first-half in Paris to further strengthen the argument that they are ready to deliver on the biggest stage.
Their defence has been incredible, though that will come under huge scrutiny against the All Blacks, who have scored 36 tries across their last three wins.
The obvious caveat is that the free-flowing rugby from New Zealand has come against sides who are a mile off the levels Ireland have been producing so far at the World Cup, and this will inevitably be a far more physical, attritional encounter at times.
Ireland will again have massive support at the Stade de France, and those in green on the pitch can give those in the stands something to cheer once more as they take another major step towards the Webb Ellis Cup.
Ireland to win, by ten points
Ireland can deliver again in front of raucous support in Paris
/ AFP via Getty ImagesHead to head (h2h) history and results
After failing to win any of the first 28 matches between the two nations, Ireland have now come out on top in five of the last eight encounters.
That includes a 32-22 win over the All Blacks in Wellington last year to seal a series victory, one that will give Andy Farrell’s side huge confidence.
Ireland wins: 5
New Zealand wins: 30
Draws: 1
Ireland vs New Zealand latest odds
Ireland to win: 4/6
New Zealand to win: 13/10
Draw: 18/1
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