All Blacks vs Ireland: Viewing Guide for 2026 Nations Championship Showdown in Auckland

Just a few years ago, the All Blacks versus Ireland stood as the premier fixture in world rugby. Despite both teams winning their opening two Nations Championship 2026 matches, neither has looked entirely convincing, particularly given the calibre of opposition. Saturday’s clash in Auckland therefore presents a prime opportunity for either side to silence lingering doubts.

New Zealand narrowly escaped an upset against a much-changed France side in their opener before a comprehensive, if ragged, victory over Italy. Ireland, meanwhile, scraped past a crisis-hit Australia before being pushed hard by Japan.

The mitigating factor for New Zealand is that those were the first two tests under new coach Dave Rennie. Andy Farrell has no such excuse, and his squad has shown little to dispel the suspicion that this Irish generation may have peaked.

The visitors return to New Zealand for the first time in four years, having secured their first-ever Test and series victories on All Blacks soil during their last tour. This time, they aim to become the first team to defeat the hosts at Eden Park in 52 years.

Will Jordan underlined his match-winning credentials last weekend with a hat-trick that saw him become New Zealand’s all-time leading try-scorer in Tests. Rennie is also hoping to leverage inside knowledge, with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane having recently spent time with Leinster.

Read on for a complete guide on how to watch New Zealand vs Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship.

Can you watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free?

Yes. New Zealand vs Ireland is being shown on free-to-air Rugby Pass TV in the US, on ITVX in the UK, and on Virgin Media Play in Ireland.

Travelling abroad? 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 useful piece of software that makes your device appear as if it is back in your home country, allowing you to unlock your usual streaming service.

How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in the US

New Zealand vs Ireland, along with all 42 Nations Championship games, is available to live stream for FREE on Rugby Pass TV in the US.

You can tune in via the RugbyPass TV website or app, which supports Chromecast, AirPlay, Apple TV, and Android TV.

Outside of the US? Use a VPN while travelling to unlock your stream.

How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in the UK

In the UK, New Zealand vs Ireland is free-to-air on ITV1, with live streaming available via ITVX.

All you need is an account, a valid TV licence, and a UK postcode (e.g. HA9 0WS).

If you are outside the UK but wish to tune in, the VPN route outlined above will help you access your accounts from 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 the Virgin Media Play platform.

Outside Ireland? You will need to download a VPN as detailed above to access 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 Sport.

Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a standard Stan subscription, which starts at AU$12/month.

Not in Australia right now? You can use a VPN 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 is showing the All Blacks vs Ireland game.

You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or the Sky Sport Now streaming service, with passes 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 a VPN to gain access to their home streaming service.

How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in South Africa

The New Zealand vs Ireland game is being shown on SuperSport in South Africa.

You will need a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at R99/month for the streaming option.

Abroad right now? Simply use a VPN to set your device location to South Africa and you will be able to stream as normal.

How to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams in Canada

In Canada, New Zealand vs Ireland is being shown on Premier Sports.

A monthly pass costs CA$29.99. To tune in for the whole tournament, you will need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99 annual subscription.

If you are out of Canada but still want to catch the action, the VPN route outlined above will help you access your accounts from anywhere.

What is the New Zealand vs Ireland start time?

The scheduled New Zealand vs Ireland kick-off time on Saturday, July 18 is 7:10pm NZST local time in Auckland, which converts to 12:10am PT / 3:10am ET / 8:10am BST / 5:10pm AEST.

What is the New Zealand vs Ireland head-to-head?

The All Blacks have won 33 of their 39 previous encounters with Ireland. Ireland have won five, and the other match ended in a draw.

In New Zealand, the head-to-head record stands at 13-2 in favour of the hosts.

Can I watch New Zealand vs Ireland on my mobile?

Yes, most broadcasters offer streaming services accessible via mobile apps or your phone’s browser. For example, RugbyPass TV, ITVX, and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.

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