Rewind just a few years and the All Blacks vs. Ireland was the leading game in rugby. Although they have each won both of their Nations Championship 2026 matches so far, neither side has convinced – and against lesser opposition. Saturday’s clash in Auckland therefore feels like an opportunity to silence some doubters.
New Zealand narrowly avoided an embarrassing defeat to France’s reserves in their opening game, before a comprehensive, if lopsided, win over Italy, while Ireland scraped past a crisis-hit Australia before being pushed hard by Japan.
The redeeming factor from a Kiwi perspective is that it was their first two games under new coach Dave Rennie. Andy Farrell has no such excuse and his men have shown little to challenge the suspicion that this Irish group has peaked.
They are back in New Zealand for the first time in four years, having recorded their first ever Test win and series win in All Blacks territory 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 showed his match-winning qualities last weekend with a hat-trick that saw him become New Zealand’s leading try-scorer in Tests. Rennie is also looking to use inside knowledge to his advantage, Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane each having recent stints at Leinster.
Read on as we explain how to watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free?
Yes. New Zealand vs Ireland is shown on free-to-air Rugby pass TV in the United States, at ITVX in the UK and beyond Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one 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 look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in USA
New Zealand vs Ireland, along with all 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to live stream for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in UK
In the UK, New Zealand vs Ireland is free-to-air 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 outside the UK but still want to tune in, go explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
New Zealand vs Ireland is free-to-air on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via Virgin Media Play platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas described above, to take advantage of your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, New Zealand vs Ireland is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of 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 back home.
How to watch All Blacks vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ shows the All Blacks v Ireland match.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at 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 match between New Zealand and Ireland is shown on Super sports in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Canada
In Canada, New Zealand vs Ireland is shown on Premier Sports.
A monthly pass costs CA$29.99. You’ll need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune in for the entire tournament.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the kick off time for New Zealand vs Ireland?
The scheduled kick-off time for New Zealand vs Ireland on Saturday 18 July is 19:10 NZST local time in Auckland, which is 12:10 PT / 3:10 ET / 8:10 BST / 17:10 AEST.
What is New Zealand vs Ireland head-to-head?
The All Blacks have won 33 of their 39 previous meetings with Ireland. Ireland have won five and the other ended in a draw.
In New Zealand, the head-to-head stands at 13-2.
Can I watch New Zealand vs Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
