Autumn internationals 2024: Ireland v New Zealand recap and head-to-head battles
Sports News Blitz’s rugby writer Katie Ransome takes a look at game three of the Autumn internationals 2024 series - the much-anticipated rematch of Ireland v New Zealand.
Having lost a Rugby World Cup Pool match for the first time ever in their last meeting on October 14 2023, Ireland will certainly be looking for revenge against the All Blacks.
Setting stage for the battle in the Northern Hemisphere’s Aviva Stadium, this game will be the All Blacks’ second away from home in consecutive weeks, with home turf advantage not present until the Autumn’s second half.
Despite only a 37-game Test match history, there's no denying the two teams have become quite the thorn in one another’s sides; with Ireland synonymous for a rush defence and New Zealand for pushing the very boundaries of physical performance.
Ireland v New Zealand: Last five games recap
With an 83 to 11% overall win margin, it could be assumed the All Blacks have dominated the Irish side in recent years, however three losses out of the last five demonstrates New Zealand still have some shaping up to do.
Almost a year to the date since the two teams last faced off, New Zealand's down-to-the-wire victory during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final was by no means a runaway result; 28-24 the overall score.
Described as an arm wrestle from the start, Ireland fought tirelessly and with NZ forced to play 20 minutes of the game with only 14 men, the game was theirs for the taking.
Despite a record breaking 37 phases of attack, they did eventually fall prey to the All Blacks’ relentless onslaught.
The summer previous on July 16, 2022 was when the two heavyweights fought once again.
Producing Ireland's first win against New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium with a solid 32-22 end result, minutes (and tries) mounted thick and fast.
Let down by the forward halves’ struggle to mount force on Ireland's defence, the game revealed sloppy shape and heavy single player reliance for the All Blacks, with home fans left sorrowful, especially after such promising pre-game conversations.
Jumping further back still to a week previous in 2022 produces another standout win for Ireland, the team reigning supreme once more in New Zealand's backyard finishing with a score of 23-12.
Hot topic of the game Johnny Sexton gifted the side 13 of those 23 points, team-mate Andrew Porter winning the rest.
Admittedly one of the most brutal and bloody battles between the two nations so far, the game was ultimately decided by red and yellow cards respectively for the All Blacks after a few too many head-on-head collisions left referee Jaco Peyper little choice but to intervene.
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Tracking back to Test one of three of the 2022 New Zealand tour gives the All Blacks their first and last win against Ireland for that year.
Smashing out a score of 42-19 with Eden Ground’s home magic ever in their favour, the All Blacks would go on to score four tries in just 20 minutes, Ireland falling away wounded and a captain down.
Reinforcing the power and dominance of the New Zealand side's ability to acquit a clinical counterpunch, Ireland's fightback just never really got started.
The last on our list of five - Ireland's third victory over New Zealand transpires from 2021’s Autumn International series on November 13, when Ireland secured their greatest win of Andy Farrell's era to that point, ending nine points clear of NZ’s 20.
A fall from grace for the All Blacks after the unprecedented scoring of 675 points and 96 tries that year, sporadic bursts of action and fleeting moments of brilliance held no power against the sold-out home side.
Coaches: Andy Farrell vs Scott Robertson
A well-known name within Northern Hemisphere rugby, Andy Farrell joined the Ireland side from England in 2016 as assistant coach, the promotion to top dog following three years later in the wake of 2019’s Rugby World Cup.
Players down beaten after two whiplash seasons of highs and lows, Farrell came to the Irish side with sights set on redemption, and boy has it been a journey.
Seeing the team through an almost complete staffing transformation, a global pandemic, Six Nations Triple Crown and Grand Slam feats, Farrell has certainly created a team to be proud of.
With a coaching style described as technically underpinned and encompassing elements even down to the smallest margin, Farrell will be looking to depart the team for the British and Irish Lions tour on a high after this year's Autumn Internationals series kicks off.
A new face to the coaching world for 2024, former linesman and native New Zealander Scott Robertson has been named head of the helm for the All Blacks.
Signing on a four-year deal, Robertson is undeniably feeling the pressure and surely looking to secure early wins against the world-class Green team.
Driven by passion for the under-recognised and forging teams around him, Robertson alongside his powerhouse team of support staff will look to right the wrongs of former coach Ian Foster and reinstate New Zealand's team as one fans can get behind once more.
Just edging Farrell's impressive 81.4% win record with his own of 82.5%, the two coaches are shaping up on paper to provide some of the most nail-biting and valiantly-fought games of rugby in the weeks to come.
Player head-to-heads
Back rowers: Caelan Doris vs Luke Jacobson
Players with jobs in almost every corner of the pitch, back-row fixtures like Caelan Doris and Luke Jacobson are responsible for all aspects of a game's physicality, whether that be ball carrying or stealing.
A formidable presence for the Ireland side, standing at 6ft 4ins and weighing in at over 110kg, Doris not only defies his enemy with brute strength, but also distinctive awareness for gameplay.
Following heartbreaking setbacks during his inaugural season in green and a concerning history of lingering injuries, Doris assuredly put his critics to bed after a sensational Autumn Series campaign last year.
A lethal combination of athletic, skilful and intelligent, peer players like Luke Jacobson certainly need to watch their backs this November.
One of three brothers always circling the national rugby radar, Jacobson joined the All Blacks side in 2019 - but got no real opportunity to shine until 2021 following a series withdrawal due to concussion.
Hailed to be one of the All Blacks’ secret weapons for seasons to come, and with a junior career doused in achievement and defining leadership experience, Jacobson surely has what it takes to challenge any player standing in his way.
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Fly-halves: Jack Crowley vs Damian McKenzie
Responsible for pre-empting action and being the face of game-defying plays, fly-halves like Jack Crowley and Damian McKenzie act as generals for their team, orchestrating both attack and defence.
A young-gun stepping into the Ireland side in 2022, Crowley after just a handful of minutes, was asked to try Johnny Sexton's number 10 jersey on for size when the star player was ruled out at the last minute.
Two short years later, he now calls that jersey his own having marched with his team to victory during the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.
Previously juggling education and a composed rugby career, Crowley certainly has a significant way to go, but as far as the saying ‘first impressions count’ goes, Jack has definitely made his mark.
A feature name for New Zealand as far back as 2016, McKenzie’s style of play can be described as versatile and record-setting despite a recognisable past of injuries.
Keen and wicked fast but at the centre of too much media attention for all the wrong reasons during his tenure, McKenzie has been praised in spite of adversity by Scott Robertson.
Identified as needing to work on game management and move past his rookie risk-taking ways, McKenzie needs to use this season as another stepping stone in overcoming the criticisms against him.
Props: Tadhg Furlong vs Tyrel Lomax
Playing partners to the field hookers, props like Tyrel Lomax and Tadhg Furlong act as rugby union's stability crutches and live to push the scrum.
Rugby league convert Tyrel Lomax was one good thing that came from the All Blacks’ Covid-riddled 2020 season, and is now a top contender for favourite within the team.
Not much else is published about the Australian-born player however.
Being fully aware that you're never guaranteed a spot on any team, Lomax goes into this series looking to play with his best foot forward and build his media rapport.
A legend of the game and winner of almost every rugby trophy on offer, Tadhg Furlong has been a staple of the Ireland roster since 2015.
A vital cog in Ireland’s redemption ride, his game style is categorised by standalone power, evolution from ball carrying to play making and explosive hits that leave the opposition winded.
Out of contract at the end of this year, the 2024 Autumn International series certainly provides the grounds for a career-decision pivot.
Centres: Bundee Aki vs Rieko Ioane
Occupying the centre of plays and needing to be quick and agile as well as capable of some mighty strong tackles, centre players like Bundee Aki and Rieko Ioane are often some of the most recognisable members of any squad.
New Zealand-born turned Irish citizen Aki is hailed as one of Ireland's most impactful and consistent players.
Beginning his career within All Blacks territory but later immigrating to the Northern Hemisphere in 2014, he plays his days to prove he really is the one that got away.
Senior in the game, but still with so many years ahead of him, this year's Autumn Internationals series will surely set precedence for what's yet to come.
Becoming the side’s youngest Test debutant in 2016 at just 19 years and 239 days old, Rieko Ioane comes from a generational pool of All Blacks.
A sly jet-fueled player on the pitch, Ioane is never far away from the action, or securing caps for that matter.
Having experimented in recent years with a variety of positions, however, it will be interesting to see where he ends up this campaign.
Hookers: Dan Sheehan vs Asafo Aumua
One of the most specialist players within a side, hookers like Dan Sheehan and Asafo Aumua call the shots when it comes to both possession and throws - and are also responsible for those deadly whip show passes we see to confuse the defence.
Successful in his junior career, Aumua was called up first in 2017 for the All Blacks side, despite not even having made his Super Rugby Debut.
Averaging 3.6m per carry and not afraid of getting up close and personal with the competition, he's the ultimate set-piece powerhouse.
Flitting in and out of the line-up since his initial debut, he definitely still has a lot of rugby to play and plenty to prove as he seeks that permanent number 2 on his jersey.
Dan Sheehan has transformed from a kid who loved rough and tumble, to one of Ireland’s most authoritative and promising talents.
Often observed tracing back his roots and giving something back to those who mentored him, Sheehan is both a game and PR asset, with lightning fast foot-work and an affinity for scoring tries.
Suffering a tour-ending injury at the beginning of the year against South Africa, leading to the need for ACL surgery, fans are sceptical as to whether he can come back so soon - but only time will tell.
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