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Ireland set to face world champion All Blacks

New Zealand perform the Haka.

It has been announced today that Ireland will welcome New Zealand to the Aviva Stadium next year as the sides prepare for the 2019 World Cup.

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Joe Schmidt’s side were able to make history last year in Chicago after claiming victory over the back-to-back World Cup winner.

Following Ireland’s three test win in the Guinness Series this weekend, Schmidt, speaking to the Irish Independent, said, “You never know the Tier 2 (team) until later but I think it is Argentina and New Zealand.

“We are very conscious of looking after the provinces as well. Wales playing next week (against South Africa) – the week before Europe – I think it makes it very tough for their regional teams leading into Europe.

“It is a little bit of a compromise I suppose.”

While there is no official word yet, Schmidt said that he was open to an add-on fixture, possibly abroad.

He said: “At this stage (it is just three games). Again, we’ll always get asked for a fourth game.

“We haven’t had a formal request from anyone yet but if there is one, as we got for the match in Chicago, then we’d consider it if it comes up and we’d try and stay in touch with the provincial coaches and see if we can make it work.”

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Another 8 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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