Who Will Win?
This is the big one: Ireland vs New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland arguably enter this game as the slight favourites, after topping the ‘pool of death’ ahead of South Africa. However, this game is really a coinflip and could be decided by one moment of magic.
With Ireland looking to prove why they’re the number one team in the world and New Zealand aiming to show that they should still be feared on the international stage, this is a game where both teams will leave everything on the line… and we can’t wait to watch it unfold.
Think you know which way that Ireland vs New Zealand will go? Vote in our poll below.
Head-to-Head
New Zealand hold a winning record against every team they’ve ever played. However, Ireland are one of the few teams that can genuinely claim to be their equals. After all, in the past five games between Ireland and the All Blacks, Ireland have won three while New Zealand have only won two.
But, Ireland’s 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022 will undoubtedly provide Ian Foster’s men with plenty of motivation ahead of this gargantuan matchup.
Team Form
reland are not only the number one team in the world, but they’re also the world’s most in-form side. After all, they’ve won all of their last 17 test matches.
By contrast, although New Zealand have scored more than 70 points in all of their last three games, they lost to France in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup and finished Pool A in second place. They also lost their final warmup game against South Africa at Twickenham.
Below our team form guide, you can see in-depth stats about how the two sides have performed in their last five games, including stats about the number of tries they’ve scored, their overall points difference and the number of times they’ve scored the first try.
Player Head-to-Head
The Ireland and New Zealand teams are packed with star players who are more than capable of dominating a game on their own.
Other Fixtures
Ireland vs New Zealand is arguably the pick of this weekend’s Rugby World Cup fixtures. However, every quarter-final is being played this weekend. Check out the latest fixtures and results below.
Ireland vs New Zealand 2023: Detailed Match Preview
On Saturday 14th October, 2023, Ireland will face New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals at the Stade de France in Paris.
Arguably the tie of the Rugby World Cup so far, neither of these two sides will fancy leaving the tournament at the quarter-final stage. This is particularly true for Ireland, who are currently the number one side in the world but have never made it past the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
However, head coach Andy Farrell seems to have put many of his side’s mental scars behind them, and they’ll enter this game against New Zealand as favourites, particularly as they beat them 2-1 in a series in New Zealand last year.
For their part, New Zealand will be aiming to show they’re still a dominant force in world rugby. Recent defeats against France and South Africa have dampened expectations somewhat, but it takes a brave person to bet against the All Blacks in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
On paper, this is a game against two evenly matched teams. We can’t wait to see how it pans out. Let us know what you think will happen in the comments.
Live Updates
The New Zealand supporters go wild as Jordie Barrett successfully kicks the penalty goal.
Codie Taylor (New Zealand) is shown a yellow card
The touch judges raise their flags as Jordie Barrett kicks the conversion.
A penetrating move by New Zealand results in a try for Will Jordan.
Johnny Sexton does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
The pick and go results in a try for Ireland as Jamison Gibson-Park goes over.
Aaron Smith (New Zealand) is shown a yellow card
Silky skills by New Zealand ends with a try for Ardie Savea.
Johnny Sexton makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
Brilliant skill shown there by Bundee Aki as they go over the white wash for a try.
Johnny Sexton adds the points for Ireland.
Richie Mo'unga makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
A wonderful passing move by New Zealand is finished off by Leicester Fainga'anuku
Jordie Barrett makes no mistake with that penalty goal attempt.
Richie Mo'unga kicks the penalty.