Overview
- New Zealand and Ireland meet at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday 18 July 2026 with kick‑off scheduled for 08:10, and both sides enter on maximum Nations Championship points.
- The All Blacks will start Cam Roigard and Ruben Love at half‑back, a pairing praised by captain Ardie Savea for its energy and form.
- Ireland pack Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson‑Park into the spine of their team, and previews say New Zealand will target Prendergast’s defence as a key pressure point.
- Matchday line‑ups and benches have been published showing notable picks such as Tupou Vaa’i at blindside for New Zealand and Sean Jansen among Ireland’s replacements.
- Broadcast arrangements are confirmed for UK audiences on ITV/ITVX with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, and the result will affect Nations Championship table momentum and coaches’ World Cup planning.