Andy Farrell’s side will be out for revenge and this is the New Zealand squad that Scott Robertson is hoping can secure a first win in Dublin since 2016.
15 – Will Jordan (38 caps)
The 26-year-old Crusader is arguably rugby’s most lethal finisher. He has notched 36 tries in 38 Tests and has Doug Howlett’s 49-try New Zealand record in his sights. He has been particularly dangerous in games against Ireland and Simon Easterby’s defence will need to be razor-sharp when he is on the ball.
14 – Mark Tele’a (17)
Telea missed the World Cup quarter-final for disciplinary reasons and it is probably just as well for Ireland. Last Saturday’s win over England highlighted why the 27-year-old is such a handful – literally – as he has a knack for spinning, slithering and slaloming out of tackles. James Lowe’s defence will get a big test from the Blues wing.
13 – Rieko Ioane (78)
The 27-year-old will be the big villain tonight after Johnny Sexton revealed their post-match spat following New Zealand’s win in Paris, which will be a spicy addition to the atmosphere. Ioane started his career on the wing but has taken over the outside-centre slot in the last few years.
12 – Jordie Barrett (66)
This will be the youngest Barrett brother’s first Aviva appearance of many this season, as he joins Leinster for the remainder of their campaign following the autumn series. He is one of rugby’s great all-round players, with top-notch carrying, goal kicking and tackling – as people will remember from his close-range denial of Rónan Kelleher last year.
11 – Caleb Clarke (26)
A powerful wing who has both All Blacks and Irish heritage – his father Eroni played for New Zealand, while his ancestors were potato farmers in Northern Ireland before traveling to the southern hemisphere. Like his dad, Clarke packs serious power on the wing.
10 – Damian McKenzie (58)
Pressed into the starting 10 role after Beauden Barrett was ruled out, this is a big moment in McKenzie’s career. His game-breaking ability is unquestionable, but he really struggled to close out games in the Rugby Championship, where he started New Zealand’s three defeats. However, he did come off the bench to land the match-winning touchline conversion against England last Saturday.
9 – Cortez Ratima (9)
Like his half-back partner, this will be a big test for the 23-year-old. New Zealand have yet to find the ideal replacement for Aaron Smith, but the Chiefs’ nine has potential.
1 – Tamaiti Williams (16)
Williams started against England after Ethan de Groot was dropped for disciplinary reasons, and the 24-year-old Crusader will be looking to put pressure on Finlay Bealham in the scrum with Tadhg Furlong ruled out.
2 – Asafo Aumua (17)
Aumua is promoted to the starting team after Codie Taylor was ruled out with a concussion. The Hurricanes hooker played the majority of the game at Twickenham after Taylor’s withdrawal and is a big physical presence in the front row.
3 – Tyrel Lomax (41)
After Andrew Porter’s difficulties in the World Cup quarter-final, his rematch with Lomax at the scrum could be a huge factor in the end result.
4 – Scott Barrett (77)
All Blacks captain Barrett is the squad’s senior second row now following the retirement of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, and he exerts his influence in both the tight and the loose.
5 – Tupou Vaa’i (35)
The 24-year-old Chief isn’t as well-known as some of the illustrious All Blacks locks that came before him, but he has all the physical tools to cause Ireland problems.
6 – Wallace Sititi (7)
A future All Blacks number eight and already one of the team’s top performers, Sititi was a real handful at Twickenham and the 22-year-old looks a worthy successor to Ardie Savea.
7 – Sam Cane (102)
This is former captain Cane’s last international window before he departs for Japan, with the veteran due for one last battle with his old rival Peter O’Mahony in the second half.
8 – Ardie Savea (91)
Still one of the world’s most dominant players, the all-action back row always plays his best against Ireland. He will likely move to number seven to accommodate Sititi in the near future.
Replacements
16 – George Bell (2)
The 22-year-old rookie is very much in the Sean Cronin mould when it comes to open-field running – he has surprising pace for a hooker.
17 – Ofa Tu’ungafasi (65)
The seasoned loosehead was part of New Zealand’s big bench press against England, which could be vital again against Ireland.
18 – Pasilio Tosi (5)
Tosi is inexperienced, but he is a behemoth at 142kg and will look to put pressure on the Ireland scrum in the final quarter.
19 – Patrick Tuipulotu (48)
There were some calls for the Blues lock to move into the starting team after an impactful cameo against England. Tuipulotu will look to put pressure on the Irish lineout.
20 – Samipeni Finau (6)
A destroyer in the Courtney Lawes mould, Finau is a big hitter who can be prone to a late tackle.
21 – Cam Roigard (7)
Another scrum-half looking to fill the Aaron Smith void, Roigard made his debut at the last World Cup but is a bit behind Ratima in the pecking order.
22 – Anton Lienert-Brown (81)
The centre’s two moments of indiscipline in the tackle almost cost New Zealand late on last weekend, but he is a solid option to bring on in the second half.
23 – Stephen Perofeta (8)
Perofeta is an ideal candidate to wear the 23 jersey, with the versatility to cover both full-back and out-half.
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