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New Zealand have reasserted themselves as the best team in the world, gaining some revenge on Ireland with a 21-9 win in Dublin.
» Click here to read the full match report
» Five talking points from the match
Final score
Ireland 9
New Zealand 21
Can Ireland repeat history and tame the All Blacks again or will the World Champions bounce back and preserve their unbeaten record in Dublin? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:30am (AEDT).
A fortnight ago in Chicago, Ireland impressively outplayed the All Blacks at Soldier Field. Ireland beat the All Blacks at their own game taking calculated risks, kicking smartly and hassling the All Blacks into mistakes with their aggressive rush defense.
The only change to Joe Schmidt’s starting XV is the addition of openside flanker Sean O’Brien, who returns from injury at the expense of Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy. Much of Ireland success will depend on disrupting the All Blacks at set-piece as they did in the Windy City and reproducing a similar accuracy and passion.
The All Blacks are close to full strength, with only injuries preventing Steve Hansen from naming his very top team.
The much-needed return of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock should bolster the All Blacks line-out which suffered two weeks ago. The country’s two premier locks replace Patrick Tuipulotu and Jerome Kaino who is has a calf strain.
Highlanders rookie Liam Squire takes the No.6 jersey in Kaino’s absence, as he did a fortnight ago, while his disgraced Super Rugby teammate Aaron Smith has been shown faith by the selectors as he retains his starting role this weekend ahead of the in-form TJ Perenara.
Anton Lienert-Brown and Malakai Fekitoa pair up in the centres again and Israel Dagg replaces Waisake Naholo on the right wing, the latter is regulated to the bench, while the only other change in the reserves comes in the form of the replacement loosehead prop, with veteran Wyatt Crockett replacing Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
The All Blacks will play with anger and passion to honour the one year anniversary of Jonah Lomu’s passing. Two of the last five tests have been decided in the last minute. It will be a gripping contest, but be very surprised if Ireland win again.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:30am (AEDT).
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.