International Second Test Preview: New Zealand Vs. Ireland
International Second Test Preview: New Zealand Vs. Ireland
For the July 9 match, the second of three tests, Ireland will look to get back on track after a colossal loss in their first game against the All Blacks.
![International Second Test Preview: New Zealand Vs. Ireland](https://d2779tscntxxsw.cloudfront.net/62c5ce61c2328.png?width=1200&quality=80)
The All Blacks put up quite a run against Ireland in the July 2 match. Now heading in the second match of three test matches, Ireland would like to show their grit against some of the world's best.
Here's everything you need to know about the July 9 match between Ireland and New Zealand.
Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
The lowdown: There were thoughts before Ireland began its three-test series in New Zealand this summer that the visitors, who had stunningly won three of their prior five meetings against the All Blacks, could take the next step and defeat one of the world's most formidable rugby powers in their own backyard for the very first time.
Instead, New Zealand kicked off the Ireland series by giving coach Andy Farrell's side a rude awakening.
The All Blacks smashed Ireland on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, 42-19, with flanker Ardie Savea crossing the try line twice, as a run of 28 unanswered points in the first half from the hosts proved too much for the Irish to tame.
To make matters worse for Ireland, captain Jonathan Sexton was subbed off with a head injury prior to halftime. Due to World Rugby's recent change in concussion protocol, in which a player who fails medical tests must be inactive for at least 12 days, Sexton's status for the second test in Dunedin is up in the air and dependent on if his recovery goes smoothly.
The win additionally improved the All Blacks' record to 30-1-3 all-time against the Irish, making the score feel a bit too familiar to the visitors.
Maybe hoping to get New Zealand off-kilter at Eden Park, where the national team hasn't lost since 1994, was a bit ambitious from Ireland, and a more stable performance is ahead in this weekend's rubber match. If it isn't, however, Ireland's trip to the sunny South Pacific may quickly turn into a nightmare.
Related Content
- The Top Five Tries From The 2024 July International Test Series
Jul 24, 2024
- July International Series | Top 5 Match Defining Moments
Jul 23, 2024
- Fans In San Diego Share What Brought Them Out To The New Zealand All Blacks Test Match
Jul 20, 2024
- Highlights: New Zealand All Blacks vs Fiji | Summer Internationals July 19
Jul 20, 2024
- Replay: New Zealand AB vs Fiji | Jul 20 @ 2 AM
Jul 20, 2024
- New Zealand All Blacks Vs. Fiji Rugby Live Updates And Scores Recap
Jul 20, 2024
- Cibi and Haka - All Blacks vs Fiji July 19
Jul 20, 2024
- Ice Cold Frawley Sinks Springboks In Durban With Deadly Drop Goals
Jul 13, 2024
- Replay: South Africa Vs. Ireland | Jul 13 @ 3 PM
Jul 13, 2024