All Blacks bolster pack for Ireland clash, Vaa’i shifts to blindside flanker

By Liam Wright — 16 July 2026 — 4 min read

All Blacks make strategic selections

The All Blacks have made several key selections for their upcoming Nations Championship match against Ireland at Eden Park. Coach Dave Rennie has opted to strengthen the forward pack, with Tupou Vaa’i moving from lock to the number six jersey at blindside flanker. This change is intended to provide more options at the set piece and add physicality to the loose forwards.

Rennie stated that Vaa’i possesses the necessary skillset for the role and will give the team a larger lineout presence. He highlighted the need for a robust pack against the strong opposition expected throughout the year, including four upcoming Tests against South Africa. Vaa’i’s athleticism is seen as suitable for the blindside position, making him a valuable lineout forward.

Returning from injury, Patrick Tuipulotu will start at lock alongside Josh Lord. Tuipulotu had been managing a calf problem but is now fit and ready to contribute. Rennie expressed confidence that Tuipulotu’s impact will help the All Blacks compete effectively with Ireland’s tight five. The coach also noted that Jordie Barrett, the second five-eighth, trained well after recovering from a minor niggle earlier in the week.

On the wing, Josh Moorby will make his first Test start. Moorby’s selection comes after an impressive debut against Italy, where he came off the bench. Rennie praised Moorby’s performance, noting his confidence, engine, and work rate. Moorby will start in place of Caleb Clarke, who is expected to provide impact off the bench with his explosive play and high ball skills.

Ireland’s challenge and Eden Park record

Ireland coach Andy Farrell views the upcoming match as a significant opportunity for his side to challenge the All Blacks’ long-standing unbeaten record at Eden Park. The All Blacks have maintained an unbroken sequence of success at the venue over 52 Tests for 32 years. Farrell acknowledged that Ireland had a chance in 2022 but were unable to secure a victory.

Ireland will field a full-strength squad, with Robert Baloucoune returning from a hamstring injury to play on the wing. Flanker Tadhg Beirne, who captained the side against Japan last week, will start. Jimmy O’Brien, who can play anywhere in the back four, will feature on the left wing. O’Brien is one of five players who have started all three Nations Championship games, alongside centre Stuart McCloskey, No. 8 Jack Conan, lock James Ryan, and prop Tom O’Toole.

Both Moorby and Tuipulotu shared their perspectives on the upcoming game. Moorby described his debut as a learning experience and appreciated the comparison to Will Jordan. He also highlighted how his time in Europe helped him develop as a player. Tuipulotu expressed his satisfaction with his recovery and the new coaching staff, noting the increased intensity of training. He acknowledged the challenge Ireland poses, stating they play a similar style to the All Blacks and will be aiming for a complete 80-minute performance.

Rennie emphasised the importance of the set piece battle against Ireland’s forward pack. He believes his selections will help the All Blacks win the scrum and lineout contests. The coach also addressed the pressure of maintaining the Eden Park record, describing it as a motivator rather than a burden. Tuipulotu echoed this sentiment, stating that the record provides energy and motivation for the team to avoid being the first to lose at Eden Park. He also acknowledged the respect the All Blacks have for Ireland, especially given their series win on New Zealand soil in 2022.

Team lineups and officiating

The All Blacks starting XV includes Ethan de Groot (1), Codie Taylor (2), Tyrel Lomax (3), Josh Lord (4), Patrick Tuipulotu (5), Tupou Vaa’i (6), Luke Jacobson (7), Ardie Savea (8 – captain), Cam Roigard (9), Ruben Love (10), Josh Moorby (11), Jordie Barrett (12), Quinn Tupaea (13), Will Jordan (14), and Damian McKenzie (15).

Substitutes for the All Blacks are Asafo Aumua (16), Xavier Numia (17), Fletcher Newell (18), Anton Segner (19), Peter Lakai (20), Cortez Ratima (21), Anton Lienert-Brown (22), and Caleb Clarke (23).

Ireland’s starting lineup features Tom O’Toole (1), Dan Sheehan (2 – captain), Tadhg Furlong (3), Joe McCarthy (4), James Ryan (5), Tadhg Beirne (6), Josh van der Flier (7), Jack Conan (8), Jamison Gibson-Park (9), Sam Prendergast (10), Jimmy O’Brien (11), Stuart McCloskey (12), Garry Ringrose (13), Robert Baloucoune (14), and Hugo Keenan (15).

Ireland’s substitutes are Ronan Kelleher (16), Jeremy Loughman (17), Thomas Clarkson (18), Nick Timoney (19), Sean Jansen (20), Craig Casey (21), Ciaran Frawley (22), and Bundee Aki (23). The referee for the match will be Nic Berry from Australia.

Source: allblacks.com