Ireland vs New Zealand predictions: Rugby World Cup betting tips, news, lineups
The biggest of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals according to world ranking takes place between Ireland and New Zealand in Paris’ Stade de France on Saturday (8pm BST).
Ireland are the world’s #1 team according to the rankings, but they have never won a World Cup quarter-final in their history.
New Zealand lost to France in the opening match of this World Cup but have really grown into the tournament, and have won the trophy three times.
Ireland vs New Zealand betting tips
Ireland to edge close encounter
There are all kinds of form lines that can tie-in to this match-up, many of them in favour of Ireland.
New Zealand were the last team to defeat Ireland, which is perhaps a feather in the cap of the All-Blacks, but it was 19 tests ago. Ireland have been unstoppable since then, including against New Zealand in the subsequent two test matches in that series in New Zealand in 2022. It was the first series win by Ireland in New Zealand, which shows how ground-breaking this Irish team is.
The All Blacks haven’t actually beaten Ireland outside of New Zealand since 2013. To be fair, the matches have either been in New Zealand or Ireland, there is no recent form on neutral ground that is relevant for this contest.
Ireland may be battling against history, which is a concern, but their recent form must make them favourites for this match. They have already beaten South Africa in the pool stage, who are ranked higher than New Zealand, and they have comfortably put away Scotland, no easy feat.
The Kiwis seem to have taken defeat against France quite personally. They have really piled the points onto the other teams in the group, 71 against Namibia may have been what was expected, but 96 against Italy, and 73 against Uruguay were exceptional attacking performances and reminded us all that the All Blacks are still the most devastating attacking side in World Rugby with ball in hand.
The Irish defence is the meanest and most ferocious in World Rugby as well though and so often in the knockout matches in the World Cup it is more about the best defences.
Tip: Ireland to win @ 8/11 with bet365
Tip: Jordie Barrett to score a try anytime @ 6/1 with Sky Bet
How to watch Ireland vs New Zealand live stream in UK
Bet365 are live streaming a selection of Rugby World Cup matches live for account holders. Those interested in streaming Ireland vs New Zealand live can take advantage of this service by following the simple steps below.
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Ireland vs New Zealand team news
The end of the group stages and the beginning of the real tournament sees both teams playing their strongest possible sides.
Ireland: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien
New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Fainga’anuku; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane, Savea.
Replacements: Coles, Williams, Newell, Whitelock, Papali’i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
