Ireland v New Zealand: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Revenge might well be on the minds of Ireland’s players when they face the mighty New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.

After months of hype and hope of what Ireland would be able to achieve at the 2023 World Cup, it was the All Blacks who spoilt the party in the last meeting between these sides.

A resolute Kiwis defence held out in the dying moments to secure a memorable 28-24 quarter-final victory and deny Ireland a first-ever spot in a World Cup semi-final.

It was to be the last game for iconic Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton, on an emotional evening for many of those players who will also take the field this week.

Ireland have responded well since that heartbreaking night in Paris, as they went on to win the 2024 Six Nations and also earned a 25-24 win over South Africa in their last match.

New Zealand head to Dublin on the back of a nervy 24-22 win over England at Allianz Arena and a much sterner test awaits at the Aviva Stadium on what should be an electric night in the capital.

Ireland v New Zealand betting tips and predictions

Ireland -6.5 handicap - 20/21

New Zealand might well have used their get-out-of-jail card against England last weekend, as Scott Robertson’s side rode their luck at times to pull off the win at Allianz Stadium.

George Ford missed a late penalty and a drop goal in the dying minutes to see the All Blacks hold on for the narrow victory.

England were not ruthless enough in the latter stages of that contest but it’s ruthlessness where Ireland are so strong.

While tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong is a notable absentee in the front-row, this is still a formidable Irish pack led by skipper on the night Caelan Doris.

The Leinster star played in that quarter-final against the All Blacks in last year’s World Cup and he will be a driving force from number eight.

With a good blend of youth and experience in the backline, this Ireland side look to be good value to fall on the right side of the -6.5 handicap on Friday night.

Having beaten New Zealand by over six points in their last two meetings in Dublin, expect the trend to continue this week against an All Blacks side that have yet to hit top gear under new head coach Robertson.

Bundee Aki anytime tryscorer - 12/5

Born in Auckland but now a bonafide Irishman, Aki seems to relish battles against the nation of his birth.

The powerful Connacht centre is a real threat in the middle of the backline, while he’s also capable of driving over from close range.

Aki has scored two tries previously against the All Blacks, including last time in that quarter-final defeat in Paris.

One of the best centres in the world, Aki is good value at 12/5 in the anytime tryscorer market to go over on Friday night.

Will Jordan anytime tryscorer - 7/4

Jordan has taken to the rigours of Test rugby like a duck to water and the utility back has frightening stats at this level.

With 36 tries in 39 appearances (34 of them in the starting lineup), there is rarely a game when Jordan doesn’t score for New Zealand.

Playing at full-back on Saturday, Jordan has the pace and the rugby brain to know how to get his support lines right and finish off any breaks New Zealand might make.

Jordan has scored in all of the All Blacks’ last three games against Ireland and can make it four on the bounce this week in Dublin.

Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.

Ireland v New Zealand odds

Ireland - 2/5
Draw - 20/1
New Zealand - 21/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.