New Zealand vs Ireland 1st Test Tips - New Zealand to dominate despite Covid woes

By Ben Darvill

29 Jun 2022

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Ben Darvill 29 Jun 2022

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New Zealand vs Ireland predictions for the 1st Test
The first Test will be played in Auckland (16:30 AEST)
Can New Zealand dominate the Irish tourists?
Preview, tips and stats

Ireland were beaten 32-17 by New Zealand Maori. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Ireland 1st Test Tips

The All Blacks come into this one looking to bounce back from a humbling 40-25 loss to France in their last international, with this game following a 29-20 defeat to their next opponents on the road.

New Zealand vs Ireland 1st Test Tips
New Zealand Last 5 Results
New Zealand Form
Ireland Last 5 Results
Ireland Form
New Zealand vs Ireland 1st Test FAQs

For Ireland, their last match ended in a comfortable 32-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks, with the touring side taken apart by their opponents in a loss that will have seen any confidence the side had now gone.

New Zealand Last 5 Results

France 40 New Zealand 25
Ireland 29 New Zealand 20
Italy 9 New Zealand 47
Wales 16 New Zealand 54
USA 14 New Zealand 104

New Zealand Form

New Zealand have been incredibly poor in their recent games when taking into account the standard they usually hold themselves to. A humiliating 40-25 loss to France in November 2021. This loss displayed that the difference between the best of the northern-hemisphere and the southern-hemisphere is shrinking.

France have been in phenomenal form, and they are the reigning-Grand Slam champions of the Six Nations. However, the All Blacks will always back themselves against any side they come up against, which is why this loss was made even more surprising. Before this loss, New Zealand were beaten 29-20 by their last opponents, meaning they will be out for revenge in this one.

A win in this one will be made all the more impressive through the fact Covid and injuries have ravaged New Zealand's side to the point where former-Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has been called in to lead the All Blacks.

Ireland Last 5 Results

Maori All Blacks 32 Ireland 17
Ireland 26 Scotland 5
England 15 Ireland 32
Ireland 57 Italy 6
France 30 Ireland 24

Ireland Form

Ireland arrived in New Zealand on the back of a very good Six Nations campaign that saw the side finish in second with 21 points and four wins. This run meant Ireland finished only four points behind Grand Slam champions France, who were the only side the Irish lost to.

However, any confidence they arrived with is now gone after a resounding 32-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks in their first game of the tour. While this loss will not have a bearing on the series result against the All Blacks, Ireland will have wanted to start fast,

Their experimental team ultimately failed to inspire in the match, and it will likely be back to the drawing board for the touring side, with mere days until they take on New Zealand in Auckland.

New Zealand vs Ireland 1st Test FAQs

When does New Zealand vs Ireland start?

The game will start at 16:30 AEST on Saturday, July 2.

Verdict

New Zealand v Ireland

We are backing New Zealand to win the first Test, with Ireland already looking out of sorts. The All Blacks will target a win straight off the bat to see them set up a series whitewash, with the tourists likely to struggle massively both in the forwards and backs.

New Zealand

Match Winner

@5/21 - 1 Unit

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