All Blacks v Ireland, first Test: All You Need to Know

What a week it has been, and the Test series is still a day away.

Between injuries and Covid-19, both Ireland and New Zealand are looking a bit different to what we would have predicted seven days ago, but it doesn't make the series look any les intriguing.

Even with the All Blacks dealing with a chaotic week of preparations following their Covid-19 outbreak, the three-time world champions remain firm favourites to win the first Test, as well as the series.

Andy Farrell's side may have won three of the last five meetings between the sides, but history is weighted towards the hosts, who are unbeaten on home soil against Ireland.

And just to make the task even tougher, Eden Park is the venue this weekend, where the All Blacks haven't lost for 46 games, a run dating back to 1994.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his side to take on the @AllBlacks on Saturday #RTERugby #RTESport #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/bp809oC6vY

Joe Schmidt's arrival into the All Blacks camp has only added to the narrative, having been drafted in along with legendary scrum coach Mike Cron to help deal with their growing list of Covid cases.

Wednesday's humbling defeat for Ireland's second string against the Maori All Blacks has also dampened expectations around Ireland's chances in the series, and although just one of that team will start again on Saturday (Keith Earls), their system failures in defence and discipline will need to be ironed out fast if they're to stand a chance of a history-making win.

TV

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action will be showing live coverage from Eden Park, getting under way at 7.30am.

RADIO

Listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm.

ONLINE

RTE.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app will have have a live blog of the game, as well as a