Rewind just a few years and the All Blacks vs Ireland was the foremost fixture in rugby. Although they’ve each won both of their Nations Championship 2026 games so far, neither side has convinced – and against lesser opponents to boot. 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 opener, before a comprehensive albeit ragged victory over Italy, while Ireland scraped past a crisis-stricken Australia before being pushed hard by Japan.
The redeeming factor from a Kiwi perspective is that those were 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’re back in New Zealand for the first time in four years, having recorded their first ever Test victory and series victory in All Blacks territory on their last visit. This time, they’re looking to become the first team to beat the Kiwis at Eden Park in 52 years.
Will Jordan displayed his match-winning qualities last weekend with a hat-trick that saw him become New Zealand’s all-time leading try-scorer in Tests. Rennie is also looking to use inside information to his advantage, Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane having each enjoyed a recent stint with 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 being shown on free-to-air Rugbypass TV in the US, on ITVX in the UK, and on Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch New Zealand vs Ireland for free as if you were right at home.
Use a VPN to watch New Zealand vs Ireland live streams
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if 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 the US
New Zealand vs Ireland, along with all 42 Nations Championship games, is available to live stream for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the US.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside of the US? Use a VPN while you’re traveling away from home 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 TV license and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!
If you’re out of the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which 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’ll need to download a VPN, as detailed above, to tap into 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 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 Sport NZ is showing the All Blacks vs Ireland game.
You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside of New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN 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’ll need to get a 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’re back home and you’ll be good to go.
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. You’ll need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune in for the whole tournament.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route set out above, which 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 is 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 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 through 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 in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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