New Zealand vs Ireland Prediction & Betting Tips - Nations Championship

Prediction published on 16/07/2026, 03:10  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 17/07/2026 at 06:56 in Nations Championship Predictions

Two teams who have won their two opening fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship meet as World No. 2 New Zealand and third-ranked Ireland lock horns in Round 3 of the competition at Eden Park on Saturday. Who will blink first? Ireland arrive on a six-Test winning streak and have won their last two away Tests on New Zealand soil, hence our prediction favouring the visitors.

New Zealand fought off European champions France’s late rally to escape with a narrow two-point victory in their Nations Championship opener. Will Jordan unseat Doug Howlett to become the team's all-time leading try-scorer after scoring a hat-trick of tries to inspire them to a thumping 47–17 victory over Italy in their second fixture last week. 

The All Blacks will count on the Crusaders fullback’s attacking prowess once again for a clean sweep of their three-match home Tests in the competition. However, they are set for a far more difficult clash against the Irish side. 

Ireland sustained their winning start to the Nations Championship with a comfortable 36–20 victory over Japan last week. The 2026 Six Nations runners-up have now won their opening two fixtures in the competition, both as the away team. 

Overall, Andy Farrell’s men have won each of their last five matches dating back to the 2026 Six Nations and have put together eight wins across their last nine Tests played outside Ireland. They have lost their last three matchups with the All Blacks, but won their previous two meetings between the two sides on New Zealand soil.