All Blacks and Ireland make significant changes for Auckland test
ESPN Rugby • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 4:57 AM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
New Zealand's All Blacks and Ireland have announced line-up changes ahead of their Nations Championship test in Auckland on Saturday. The All Blacks have made five changes, highlighted by rookie flyhalf Ruben Love's inclusion, while nine changes have been made to Ireland's starting lineup. Both teams enter the match unbeaten after their first two rounds. New Zealand aims to maintain a 32-year unbeaten record at Auckland's Eden Park, while Ireland seeks to continue their recent success against strong opposition. This matchup is set to be a key test for both teams this year.
- •Ruben Love named starting flyhalf for New Zealand.
- •Ireland restores nine regulars to the lineup after injuries.
- •Match is scheduled for Saturday at Eden Park.
- •New Zealand targets a 32-year unbeaten streak at home.
- •Both teams performed well in their previous matches.
- 12:45 AMESPN Rugby — Barrett misses out as Rennie keeps faith in Love
- 4:57 AMYahoo Sports — All Blacks make 5 changes, Ireland make 9 for Nations Championship test in Auckland
"Head coach Dave Rennie has backed rookie flyhalf Ruben Love by naming him to start in New Zealand's Nations Championship test against Ireland on Saturday, a match which will be the All Blacks' sternest test of the year to date. Once again, Rennie has omitted 145-test veteran and World Cup-winner Beauden Barrett from his matchday 23. Rennie has also kept confidence in winger Josh Moorby, who will start after making an impressive debut off the bench in the win over Italy last week.
"Head coach Dave Rennie has backed rookie fly-half Ruben Love by naming him to start for the All Blacks against Ireland on Saturday, a match which will be New Zealand's sternest test of the year to date.
Sources
External links- ESPN RugbyJul 17, 2026, 12:45 AMBarrett misses out as Rennie keeps faith in Love
Head coach Dave Rennie has backed rookie fly-half Ruben Love by naming him to start for the All Blacks against Ireland on Saturday, a match which will be New Zealand's sternest test of the year to date.
- Yahoo SportsJul 16, 2026, 4:57 AMAll Blacks make 5 changes, Ireland make 9 for Nations Championship test in Auckland
Head coach Dave Rennie has backed rookie flyhalf Ruben Love by naming him to start in New Zealand's Nations Championship test against Ireland on Saturday, a match which will be the All Blacks' sternest test of the year to date. Once again, Rennie has omitted 145-test veteran and World Cup-winner Beauden Barrett from his matchday 23. Rennie has also kept confidence in winger Josh Moorby, who will start after making an impressive debut off the bench in the win over Italy last week.
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