Ireland set to face world champion All Blacks

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.

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.”