The day has finally arrived. Ireland will take on the All Blacks in the Aviva Stadium this evening, the first meeting of the two sides since 2016. It is a clash featuring the two best sides in world rugby over the past 12 months, and is being billed by many as the match to decide the best team in the world. We will provide you will Ireland vs All Blacks updates throughout the game.
After the heroic win in Chicago, Ireland were defeated by the same opposition in Dublin just a few weeks later. They will be hoping to avenge that defeat today, and come away with their first ever victory over the All Blacks on home soil as a result. You can follow all the action on our liveblog below.
Ireland vs All Blacks Updates
Joe Schmidt will no doubt be viewing this game as a true test to the current standing of this Irish team ahead of next year's World Cup. There is little doubt that this is a better side than the one which defeated the All Blacks in 2016, as evidenced by the Grand Slam earlier this year. However there is little that can give you some perspective as quickly as a meeting with the top rugby nation in the world.
Ireland will be without key men in Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw, and Schmidt surely would have hoped to have a full squad trick from for this game. Murray's absence will be especially worrying, and Kieran Marmion will have to step up to give Ireland any chance.
New Zealand meanwhile enter this game as somewhat of a wounded beast, squeaking by England in dramatic fashion last week. They may feel as though they have a point to prove in this game, as if any added incentive was really required. The All Balcks will surely hope to lay down a marker this evening, and remove any doubt that they are still the premier side in world rugby.
