Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE - Hosts secure historic victory against the All Blacks
Ireland beat the All Blacks 16-9 at home for the first time on Saturday and laid a major marker for the Rugby World Cup next year.
The blockbuster matchup of No. 1 and No. 2, the champions of each hemisphere, lived up to the hype. Ireland edged a rugged first half, and in a more open second half produced a classic try and kept New Zealand tryless for the first time since last year's Lions tour.
At a highly charged Lansdowne Road, Ireland became the only team to beat New Zealand twice since the All Blacks won a second straight Rugby World Cup in 2015. The first time was in 2016 in Chicago, Ireland's first win over New Zealand in 111 years.
Even with that mental block gone, this victory was far more impressive: New Zealand was closer to full strength, and more aware of Ireland's threats.
But those didn't matter.
Even after enduring a hugely physical first half that was exhausting just to watch, Ireland had the wherewithal to execute a try-scoring move from a lineout on halfway. Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton switched play to Bundee Aki running back to the short side, and wing Jacob Stockdale chipped ahead. The best player of the Six Nations brushed past the surprised All Blacks, regathered and slid in.
Sexton converted from wide out for 16-6 with half an hour to go and put the pressure right back on the All Blacks.
But the world champions could score just one more penalty.
Knock-ons and spills plagued the All Blacks in front of a fast-rushing defence which squeezed the visitors.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the autumn international clash between Ireland and New Zealand, brought to you from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
With kick-off at 7:00pm, we'll begin our in-depth build up an hour before, bringing you the latest team news and match previews.
Until then, read our preview to what is arguably the biggest game in rugby union right now:
Ireland the victors in convincing fashion; New Zealand battered and bruised.
Yet Ireland have just that sole victory to draw from as they look to best the best again: their record against the All Blacks reads one win, one draw and 28 defeats...
So what of the men prepared to do battle in Dublin?
Joe Schmidt has had to deal with a pair of injury blows in back row, with Sean O'Brien again sidelined. Dan Leavy, a more than able deputy, was named to start earlier in the week but has since been rule out due to what Ireland have described as 'general tightness.'
Josh van der Flier therefore gets the opportunity to start on the openside, with Jordi Murphy coming on to the bench. Here is the Irish 23:
As in any international rugby match, the set piece battle will be crucial.
Ireland have bolstered their lineout with the skyscraper-esque Devin Toner brought in alongside James Ryan in the second row. With Peter O'Mahony so able in that regard, too, and Rory Best a reliable dart-thrower, Ireland seem to be set up well to avoid a similar capitulation to that of England last week.
In Tadhg Furlong Ireland boast arguably the most complete prop in world rugby. He'll be opposite mustachioed marvel Karl Tu'inukuafe, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the All Blacks starting lineup and become a burgeoning force at loosehead.
That's one of many individual battles to keep an eye on tonight.
Both Johnny Sexton and Beauden Barrett find themselves on the five-man shortlist for World Rugby Player of the Year. Different in style, each possesses a ridiculous portfolio of skills they will look to use to secure victory for their teams.
If the game is tight, as one would assume it may be, the tussle from the tee may be vital. An off night from either ten could be costly...
About half an hour until kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.
Wayne Barnes is the very experienced man in the middle, hoping for a quieter affair than some of his colleagues have endured in recent weeks with a number of controversial decisions in the spotlight.
Then again, New Zealand haven't yet forgotten Barnes' own controversial decision against France in the 2007 World Cup...
Bundee Aki gets another opportunity at inside centre for Ireland with Robbie Henshaw out.
Auckland-born, the powerful centre has kicked on since leaving New Zealand for Connacht in 2014 and gets his first crack at his compatriots in the green jersey since qualifying for his adopted homeland last year.
He won't get a chance to butt heads with old mate Sonny Bill Williams (the pair were teammates at the Chiefs in Waikato) but you can expect some extra venomous carries from Aki tonight...
Presidential handshakes from the recently re-elected Michael Higgins, supported by a subdued version of "World in Union" from the horn and drum sections.
Ireland vs New Zealand kicks off at 7:00pm on Saturday 17 November.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Channel 4 from 6:10pm.
Teams
Ireland: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Kieron Marmion; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong; Devin Toner, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Andrew Porter, Ian Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour.
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Karl Tu'inukuafe, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Liam Squire, Ardie Savea, Kieron Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert-Brown.
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