New Zealand vs Ireland Preview & Tips - New Zealand to beat Ireland in Nations Championship classic

Ireland were given more of a workout than some thought they would get against Japan as Andy Farrell's men secured a 36-20 win. 

New Zealand have won six of their last 10 against Ireland, with the touring side notching four victories in this time. 

New Zealand have looked fairly good across July's Nations Championship matches with this ensuring Dave Rennie has started his stint with the All Blacks on the back of two wins. 

Their seven-try performance against Italy in a 47-17 win looked good on the surface, but at 14-10 up as the second-half began, the All Blacks had some real work to do. Five tries in the second-half saw the home team really pull away from the touring side, but the All Blacks will know they need to be a lot better this weekend. 

Interestingly, New Zealand were at their best against France in their 34-32 win. While there is something to be said for a world class side forcing another top team to up their levels, it will irk New Zealand that they took so long in their clash with Italy to find some semblance of a high gear. 

I predict a very physical battle in their final Nations Championship match in July. Ireland will arrive looking to front up in the pack meaning the battle for gain-line success, at the scrum and lineout will be crucial. 

The major difference between the pair will likely be their intent when playing the ball. The All Blacks need to take advantage of Ireland looking to slow the ball down on the floor. Whether this is by clearing rucks quickly and firing the ball out wide or offloading the ball before it hits the floor, New Zealand's ability to get the ball wide and exploit space if Ireland overcommit at the ruck could prove vital in this contest. 

Ireland have secured consecutive wins at the start of the debut season of the Nations Championship, although neither have been hugely convincing. 

Their 33-31 win over Australia at the start of July saw them 24-12 down after 30 minutes, while they trailed 31-26 heading into the final few minutes. While they did score a converted try late on, it was hardly the most convincing win against an Australian side that has been entirely beatable for some time. 

While they did win both halves against Japan in their 36-20 win, they did not blow their opponents away. Ireland have had real issues when it comes to pulling away from the opposition in recent months, with their last eight matches seeing them win two games by 20+ points, while they have lost twice in this time. 

Ireland are a very difficult team to beat, but they are not as ruthless as the likes of South Africa or France. If the Irish are unable to take advantage of the phases of play in which they are on top, then this will give New Zealand a lot of confidence. One of the hallmarks of this All Blacks side is their ability to turn it on at the flip of a switch, with this seeing defenders beaten and tries scored. 

If Ireland do not bring their A-game then they will slump to a fourth consecutive loss at the hands of New Zealand.