Ireland vs New Zealand Predictions - Ireland tipped to knock All Blacks out

The one-point handicap is very generous to Ireland considering that New Zealand’s problems have been masked by their ability to thrash lower-ranked sides over the last three games. I’m backing Ireland to more than cover the -1 handicap, I fancy them to win by 10+ points.

Ireland have won four of their last six matches against New Zealand. They last met in a three-match series in New Zealand in 2022. After the All Blacks won the opening Test, Ireland bounced back to win the last two and claim their first-ever series victory on New Zealand soil.

Ireland are ranked as the No.1 side in world rugby at the moment and for good reason. They have 17 wins on the trot coming into this quarter-final and yet there will be massive nerves around.

The Irish topped Pool B with victory in all four games. They began with massive wins over Romania and Tonga before just edging out South Africa 13-8 in what was probably the game of the World Cup to date.

Last week Ireland thrashed Scotland 36-12 in a clinical first-half display. Regardless, Ireland have never progressed past the quarter-final of any of the previous 10 editions of the tournament.

They are favoured to do so on this occasion, but the All Blacks are a dangerous outfit despite being far from the dominant sides they’ve had in the past.

Ireland have a few injury concerns after the Scotland game with James Lowe one of the casualties. However, they are expected to make a return when the side is announced on Wednesday.

New Zealand have pretty much always been the favourite heading into the World Cup, but this year has been different. They have been inconsistent despite winning the Rugby Championship earlier this year.

The All Blacks under Ian Foster has struggled in the four-year cycle since 2019. A few firsts have taken place, one of which was a first-ever series loss to Ireland. They also suffered defeats to Argentina during this period.

In the World Cup, Foster’s side has largely flown under the radar. They were thoroughly outplayed in the opener, losing 27-13 to France. They then thrashed Namibia and shocked the world by posting 96 against Italy. The All Blacks also thumped Uruguay 71-0 last time out.

This string of results has given them a boost but none of those sides really tested New Zealand. This will be their first real test since France and they will need to up their game to have any chance.

Foster’s selections will be crucial in this game. He will know they need a pack to match that of Ireland, but more will be known when the team is announced later this week.