Once a match defined by New Zealand’s dominance, the Ireland v All Blacks saga has transformed into a series of grudge matches filled with breathtaking tries, controversies, and a fair amount of animosity.
The modern rivalry truly kicked off in 2016, when Ireland recorded their first-ever win over New Zealand after 111 years of attempts, breaking the All Blacks’ 18-match winning streak with a thrilling 40-29 victory in Chicago. Since then, the two sides have delivered some truly heart-stopping games, with Ireland taking four of the last seven encounters.
So, have we seen a shift in this match-up’s dynamics?
All the makings of a grudge match
What adds even more heat to this rivalry is the series of intense moments that have punctuated recent clashes. One of the most memorable came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, where Ireland, themselves on an historic winning streak, fell to New Zealand 24-28 in a nail-biting match. The heartbreak felt across Ireland was palpable, as the team exited at the same stage of a World Cup yet again, despite being considered contenders for the title. This loss fuelled an already simmering tension between the two sides.
Controversy also plays its part, and nowhere was that clearer than in the now-infamous 2023 “Sexton-Ioane” spat. Irish legend Johnny Sexton, fired up after Ireland’s loss, had a heated exchange with All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane. New Zealand coach Scott Robertson recently acknowledged the incident, remarking: “It doesn’t matter what game or what sport, you’ve got those little rivalries but there’s still a lot of respect that we need to show.” Sexton hung up his boots after that quarter-final loss, but now that he's back with Ireland in a consultancy role, expect this topic to rear its head throughout the week.
Springboks: The elephant in the room
Some might argue South Africa, who start their November campaign against Scotland this Sunday, deserve to be part of the 'biggest rivalry' conversation - second as they are to world number one Ireland in the rankings - with New Zealand. However, Ireland have a strong claim to be in the mix: not only have they beaten the Boks in four of their last five encounters - including at last year's Rugby World Cup - but they have also won three of the last five against New Zealand. The sheer number of thrilling, tightly contested matches between Ireland and New Zealand, plus the shifting balance of power, have elevated this fixture to new heights. South Africa may have the more classic rivalry with New Zealand, but the clash between Ireland’s strategic brilliance and the All Blacks’ traditionally dominant style is what truly fascinates fans worldwide.
An All Blacks identity crisis?
The Irish Times recently suggested that New Zealand face an “existential crisis of identity” as Ireland have become one of the very few teams to frequently disrupt their game. As Matt Williams, the outspoken former Scotland coach, claimes, the Kiwis are “mourning the evaporation of their long dominance”. Does this view, even if slightly exaggerated, capture a fresh reality for New Zealand? Is their oppressively intimidating aura now contested, especially by a team that was long an underdog in this fixture?
All eyes on Dublin
Friday’s Autumn Nations Series game in Dublin isn’t just about winning. For Ireland, it’s a chance to prove that they can conquer New Zealand at home and finally vanquish the ghosts of the 2023 World Cup quarter-final. For the All Blacks - hot on the heels of a scarily-close win against England - it’s an opportunity to reassert their dominance and overcome an opponent that over the past few years has repeatedly proven to be their equal, if not more.
So, as the Aviva Stadium lights up this Friday, the stakes are more than just points on the scoreboard: they’re about global dominance. And in that sense, Ireland v New Zealand might just be rugby’s most thrilling and intense rivalry today.
Ireland v New Zealand, Friday 8th November, 20:10. Live on TNT Sports.
