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image Description:
* The image shows Ireland’s billy Holland, Donnacha Ryan, Simon Zebo, conor Murray, and CJ Stander celebrating a win.
* Photographer: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Team Form & Stakes:
* Ireland: Had players involved in the prosperous Lions tour of Australia. A separate Ireland team (coached by Paul O’Connell) beat Georgia and Portugal. Finished 3rd in the Six Nations (behind England and France).
* New Zealand: Played 9 matches since the summer, beating a weakened French side. Finished 2nd in the Rugby Championship (4 wins, 2 losses, including a heavy defeat to South Africa).
* What’s at Stake: The upcoming internationals are crucial for Rugby World Cup seeding (for the 2027 tournament). Ireland is currently 3rd and wants to stay in the top 4. Defeats could negatively impact their seeding.
Team News (Ireland):
* Mack Hansen is out due to a foot injury.
* Tom Farrell and jimmy O’Brien have been added to the squad as injury cover.
* Caelan Doris‘s return against the All Blacks is still possible (he underwent shoulder surgery).
