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

Nobody said it would be easy, but Ireland's mammoth tour of New Zealand is proving to be an incredible test, both physically and mentally.

After games in Hamilton and Auckland, Andy Farrell's camp have moved down to the south island and Dunedin for their second Test with the All Blacks, which marks the midpoint of the tour.

A third defeat in a row would signal a Test series win for the hosts, while Ireland would still have to pick themselves up for their second clash with the Maoris on Tuesday, before the final Test match, both of which are back on the north island in Wellington.

And although the mood around Ireland has been more negative than positive in the last 10 days, a win this weekend would spark the second half of the trip into life.

As well as that, Ireland are still chasing that maiden win away to the All Blacks, this being their 14th attempt.

Since the dust settled over their 42-19 loss in Auckland last week, on reflection there have been plenty of positives for Ireland to build on, with their attack causing Ian Foster's side plenty of problems.

There should be no excuses if Ireland fail to put together a solid attacking game this week, with the match being played under the closed roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, the same ground where Ireland beat Italy 36-6 at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Cian Healy, Conor Murry, Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls all featured that day, with Earls scoring two tries, while Robbie Henshaw was the only Irish player to be involved in 2017 when the British and Irish Lions were beaten 23-22 by the Highlanders.

TV

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

RADIO

Listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm.

ONLINE

RTE