Just a few years ago, the All Blacks v Ireland match was the most important match in rugby. Despite having each won their two 2026 Nations Championship matches so far, neither team has convinced – and against lesser opponents at that. Saturday’s shock in Auckland therefore seems to be an opportunity to silence certain skeptics.
New Zealand narrowly avoided an embarrassing defeat to the French reserves in their opening match, before securing a comprehensive, if uneven, victory over Italy, while Ireland cruised past a struggling Australia before being pushed hard by Japan.
The redeeming factor from the Kiwis’ perspective is that these were their first two games under new coach Dave Rennie. Andy Farrell has no such excuse, and his men have shown little to challenge suspicions that this Irish outfit has reached its peak.
They are back in New Zealand for the first time in four years, having recorded their first ever Test and series victory on All Blacks’ turf on their last visit. This time they are looking to become the first team to beat the Kiwis at Eden Park in 52 years.
Will Jordan demonstrated his match-winning qualities last weekend with a hat-trick that saw him become New Zealand’s all-time leading Test try scorer. Rennie is also looking to use inside information to his advantage, with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane each having benefited from a recent spell with Leinster.
Read on as we explain how to watch New Zealand vs Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship for free.
Can you watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free?
Yes. New Zealand v Ireland is broadcast free-to-air Rugbypass TV in the United States, on ITVX in the United Kingdom, and on Blank Media Set in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in the USA
New Zealand v Ireland, as well as the 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to watch live for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the United States.
You can connect via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside the United States? Use a VPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in the UK
In the UK, New Zealand v Ireland is streamed for free on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re not in the UK but still want to connect, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
New Zealand v Ireland is streamed for free on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via the Blank Media Set platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas detailed above, to access your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, the New Zealand vs Ireland match is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month in addition to a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were at home.
How to watch All Blacks vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport Reviews broadcasts the All Blacks vs Ireland match.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service from NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in South Africa
The New Zealand vs Ireland match is broadcast on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need to obtain a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Canada
In Canada, the New Zealand vs Ireland match is broadcast on Premier Sports.
A monthly subscription costs CA$29.99. You will need either the six-month pass at CA$79.99 or the annual subscription at CA$139.99/year to attend the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time for New Zealand vs Ireland?
The scheduled kick-off time for New Zealand against Ireland on Saturday July 18 is 7:10 p.m. NZST local time in Auckland, which is 12:10 a.m. PT / 3:10 a.m. ET / 8:10 a.m. BST / 5:10 p.m. AEST.
What is the New Zealand vs Ireland head-to-head?
The All Blacks have won 33 of their previous 39 meetings against Ireland. Ireland won five of them and the other ended in a draw.
In New Zealand, the record stands at 13-2.
Can I watch New Zealand vs Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
