New Zealand v Ireland predictions and rugby union tips: Crunch time for tourists

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's second Test between New Zealand and Ireland at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Action, 8.05am Saturday

Best bet

Ireland +14.5
2pt 8-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

James Lowe anytime tryscorer
1pt 11-5 Coral, Ladbrokes

Match preview

Having worked so hard to build impetus ahead of next year’s World Cup, Ireland are in danger of seeing all of their hard work unravelled by a difficult tour of New Zealand and a positive performance is a must in Saturday's second Test.

The tourists ran into an All Blacks outfit at its maverick best in last weekend's series opener at Eden Park, with the hosts scoring three first-half tries in the space of nine minutes to take the game away from Ireland.

The final 42-19 scoreline was harsh on the Irish, who had started the contest brightly and got themselves into some good positions after the interval, only to fail to capitalise.

Head coach Andy Farrell has given the majority of the team who fell short in the first Test a chance to build on the positives from Auckland. He has made just one change to his starting line-up with Mack Hansen replacing Keith Earls on the wing.

Captain Johnny Sexton has controversially been passed fit, despite failing a head injury assessment during last week’s loss, to take his place in a team which is comprised of ten of the starting 15 who helped Ireland beat the All Blacks in November.

New Zealand look a different beast to the weary side who were well beaten at the Aviva Stadium, however, and their ability to score tries in bursts makes them a dangerous proposition.

The handicap line for the second Test is set slightly higher than it was last week, but it could now be a tad on the large side given the All Blacks still carry some flaws and will be missing experienced lock Sam Whitelock.

With no midweek game to distract them, this is likely to be Ireland’s best shot on this tour of ending their winless run in New Zealand and a chance is taken on them pushing the home side close in Dunedin.

If Ireland are to have any chance of a famous win, then they’ll need to be far more clinical under the roof at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, a fast-paced venue which has traditionally yielded plenty of points.

New Zealand’s seven Tests at the stadium have featured an average of 56 points and it could be worth having a few darts in the anytime tryscorer market, where Ireland’s James Lowe appeals.

The New Zealand-born winger got into some promising positions last week and his record of 18 tries for club and country in 21 appearances this season, including a score against the All Blacks in the autumn, makes him a standout candidate.

In Saturday’s other early start, France are 19-points favourites to wrap up their series against Japan after an inexperienced Les Bleus side produced a late burst of tries to win the first Test 42-23.

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