Plenty to fear from new Zealand but Ireland should be sniffing blood

Crunch time for Ireland has finally arrived. The date that has been circled on the calendar for the best part of a year is upon us and Joe Schmidt’s squad can finally measure themselves against the best in the world.

Less than a year out from the World Cup, Ireland versus New Zealand is the fixture rugby supporters have been craving to see more than any other. Second in the world plays host to the top dogs at the Aviva Stadium tonight, with Grand Slam champions going toe to toe with back-to-back World Cup winners.