Darren Cave
Former Ireland centre on BBC Radio Ulster

The scrum or the line-out hasn't been a part of Ireland's game that they'll be particularly proud of.

Some questions will be asked of the Irish defence and they need to get their set piece right today.

Listen to live radio commentary on BBC Radio Ulster on this page.

Gordon D'Arcy
Former Ireland international on ITV

It's been a little bit nervy. Couple of errors on both sides.

Jordie Barrett kicks it dead. A poor error by New Zealand after Ireland dropped the ball.

A monster clearance by New Zealand. Ireland then go short at the first line-out.

Steady start by both sides.

Ireland will believe they can beat New Zealand in New Zealand after doing so in 2022.

Winning at Eden Park is a different challenge altogether.

The atmosphere is electric in Auckland. We are under way.

Darren Cave
Former Ireland centre on BBC Radio Ulster

I feel like this Andy Farrell team see this as an opportunity to do something special.

For Ireland, this is nothing to be afraid of. This is an opportunity.

Conor Murray
Former Ireland scrum-half on BBC Radio Ulster

Given what they did during the Six Nations when they were facing a bit of criticism and then they showed up at Twickenham and delivered that performance, I think Ireland are going to show up and look to play today.

No response to the haka by Ireland. They stand and take it all in.

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Richie Murphy
Ulster head coach on BBC Radio Ulster

This is a big challenge for Ireland. They'll be really up for this and see this as an opportunity to do something really special. It's going to be a big test today.

A nod of the head by New Zealand captain Ardie Savea. He loves it.

Now it is time for the haka.

Rory Best
Former Ireland captain on ITV

Having Robert Baloucoune back on the wing is huge. We don't have a lot of X-factor players, and he is one of them. If he gets time and space, he is exceptional going forward but, more importantly, he is a good defender.

The teams are out for the anthems. We've got a fancy orchestra performing.

A nice vibe.

Australia's Nic Berry is in charge of this one.

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Jason Momoa's at Eden Park!

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Ireland captain Dan Sheehan says Andy Farrell's side must "make our own history" when they take on New Zealand.

While New Zealand's record at their "iconic" Auckland fortress has formed part of the conjecture prior to kick-off this week, Sheehan insists that has not been "something we've focused on massively".

"It's a special record, but we're trying to get the best out of the group we've seen this year and we think we have it in us," the 27-year-old Leinster hooker said.

"The capabilities in the squad, if we get them out, it will be a great game and hopefully we come out on top.

"They are an incredible outfit, especially at home, so any good performance on New Zealand soil is something to remember. We will be looking to recreate that.

"We've a new group here and a lot of the lads weren't on that tour, so we've got to make our own history."

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Ireland fans are making their feelings known at Eden Park.

The New Zealand-born Ireland scrum-half played Super Rugby for the Blues in Auckland.

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says Jimmy O'Brien is "on top of his game" before facing New Zealand.

After a turbulent season with Leinster, O'Brien has impressed for Ireland on the right wing against Australia and Japan during Rob Baloucoune's absence.

However, with Baloucoune fit again, O'Brien will now switch to 11 while Jamie Osborne, who began against the Wallabies on the left wing, drops out of the matchday squad.

"He's been in great form," Farrell said when asked about O'Brien in a press conference.

"He's gone from stop-start really for Leinster over the course of the season and not really nailing down any type of genuine spot, but for us over the last three or four weeks it's been obvious that he's been really on top of his game and he's been in great form.

"Obviously there's pressure within himself playing for your country and he deals with those pressures superbly well."

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New Zealand scrum-half Cam Roigard has scored 15 tries in 19 Tests.

Since overcoming a nasty knee injury in 2024, Roigard has grabbed hold of a starting spot.

He is now one of the best nines in the world.

Lethal!

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV before the game: "It's a matter now of narrowing the focus and understanding what we want to bring to the table. We know what the All Blacks' DNA is and how they want to play. They have been open with that, and we need to attack the game properly from our end."

On Eden Park record: "It helps in preparation because it becomes a special week. We're the lucky ones. Italy didn't play here, nor did France, so we're the lucky ones that get to be here and see what the occasion brings out in us. Big games are there to bring out the best version of yourself. There is no bigger test than Eden Park, and it's what we want, given what is coming up in the next 15 months."

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