IRELAND are on a revenge mission as they face New Zealand in the second of three tests.
The All Blacks asserted their dominance at Eden Park last week – cruising to a 42-19 win in Auckland.
And Test debutant Pita Gus Sowakula's 70th minute try put the icing on the cake for the hosts.
However, the Irish can take some confidence from their second half surge which saw Ian Foster's All Blacks concede a couple of early penalties.
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- New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Dalton Papalii, 7 Sam Cane (c), 8 Ardie Savea.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukeiaho, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Angus Taavao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Richie Mounga, 23 Will Jordan. - Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c),9 Jamison Gibson Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Bundee Aki.
- Joe Adams
Penalty – Sexton (Ireland) New Zealand 0-10 Ireland
12, Ireland enter double digits in Dunedin.
Caelin Doris is first over the ball to win his side a penalty and Sexton makes no mistake, slicing it between the uprights.
- Joe Adams
New Zealand 0-7 Ireland
10, Ireland fool the hosts, disguising Sheehan's run with a maul. He feeds Henshaw, but the centre can't take it in his stride.
Scrum up next.
- Joe Adams
New Zealand 0-7 Ireland
8, James Lowe concedes a penalty and Beauden Barrett kicks for touch inside the Irish 22.
But the visitors force them back and it's a penalty to Ireland now.
- Joe Adams
New Zealand 0-7 Ireland
4, Sexton converts, and Ireland take an early lead in Dunedin.
- Joe Adams
New Zealand 0-5 Ireland
3, What a start for the visitors!
Beirne initially broke through New Zealand's line and Ireland smelt blood. Several phases later Porter had the ball on the ground after Sexton picked out the loosehead. Brilliantly executed.
It's a dream start for Andy Farrell's men.
- Joe Adams
TRY – Porter (Ireland)
- Joe Adams
Kick-off – New Zealand vs Ireland
Referee Jaco Peyper blows his whistle and New Zealand kick high to get this second test underway.
- Joe Adams
Travelling fans in good voice
Many in green have made the long trip down under to support their side today.
It's the haka up next!
.Credit: Getty - Joe Adams
It's a sell-out in Dunedin
Today's match was quick to sell out after last weekend's performance at Eden Park.
The atmosphere is building as the players take their places for the national anthems.
- Joe Adams
New Zealand expecting Irish response
Cast your minds back to 2012, New Zealand found themselves in a similar situation to today, needing to keep Ireland out. It took a late Dan Carter drop goal to lead them to a 22-19 victory in Christchurch.
Are they able to wrap things up once again today?
I’d expect them [Ireland] to bounce back. They are such a proud side. It is do or die. The series is on the line. We know that they are coming and we also need to rise.
Beauden Barrett, New Zealand fly half
- Joe Adams
Sexton passed fit to start
Ireland starting lineup: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van Der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton, James Lowe, Robbie Henshaw, Gary, Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan
Johnny Sexton has been controversially passed fit for today’s match after suffering a concussion last weekend. Mack Hansen also returns to the starting line-up since recovering from COVID-19. The New Zealand born winger will replace Keith Earl and joins James Lowe and Hugo Keenan in Ireland’s back three.
- Joe Adams
All Blacks team news
NZ starting lineup: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papalii, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Quinn Tupaea, Reiko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Jordie Barrett
New Zealand head coach, Ian Foster is forced into two changes after Sam Whitelock reported symptoms of a concussion and Tupou Vaa’i tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Dalton Papalli will play at blindside flanker alongside captain Sam Crane, whilst Scott Barrett will play second row, completing the trio of Barrett brothers.
Folau Fakatava and Aidan Ross have the chance for a first test cap from the bench.
- Joe Adams
Welcome to New Zealand vs Ireland
New Zealand host Ireland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin this morning for the second test between these two nations.
The All Blacks were devastating in Auckland last weekend, putting 23 points between them and the visitors. After an encouraging start courtesy of an early Keith Earls try, Ireland were blown away by a flurry of four New Zealand tries in just 20 minutes.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be hoping his side can bounce back today and draw level in the series.
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