RLWC2021 – New Zealand v Ireland: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – New Zealand v Ireland.
Ged Corcoran’s Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their 32-14 defeat to Lebanon at the Leigh Sports Village, but face the world’s #1 ranked team in New Zealand.
It’s an almost must-win game for the Wolfhounds, with the Cedars favourites against Jamaica with one spot up for grabs in the quarter-finals.
New Zealand have won both of their group games so far and sit at the top of Group C.
Match details
- New Zealand v Ireland
- Date: Friday 28th October
- Kick-off time: 7.30pm
- Venue: Headingley Stadium, Leeds
- Group C
New Zealand v Ireland team news
New Zealand 19-man squad: 1. Joseph Manu, 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 4. Pete Hiku, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Joseph Tapine, 14. Kieran Foran, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Briton Nikora, 18. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 20. Isaac Liu, 21. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 23. Scott Sorensen.
Ireland 19-man squad: 1. Richie Myler, 3. Ed Chamberlain, 4. Toby King, 5. Innes Senior, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Joe Keyes, 9. Josh Cook, 11. James Bentley, 12. Frankie Halton, 13. George King, 14. James McDonnell, 15. Harry Rushton, 16. Brendan O’Hagan, 17. Dan Norman, 18. Henry O’Kane, 20. Louis Senior, 21. Ronan Michael, 22. James Hasson, 23. Michael Ward.
What the two camps are saying
New Zealand coach Michael Maguire said: “Unfortunately Dylan Brown missed last week with a bit of sickness. Jahrome is back and he’s ready to go. The boys have been really sharp this week. It’s been nice to have those boys out. Kieran Foran has done a fantastic job leading the team, as well. We’ve got some quality in depth.”
Ireland squad player Michael Ward said: “It’s a big ask but we’ve got the confidence and the desire to want to do it. It’s 13 versus 13 on the pitch.
“The coaching staff have watched all their previous games and come up with a plan that is going to best suit our players to try and take them down. That’s what we’re going to do, we’ll do our best.”
How can I watch the game on TV?
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
New Zealand v Ireland is on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
New Zealand head into this game as massive favourites, as expected, with odds at 1/250 with Planet Sport Bet. Underdogs Ireland are at a price of 18/1.
If Ireland lose this game, a win for Lebanon over Jamaica will secure their place in the quarter-finals. All to play for, but we’d expect New Zealand to win this one in Leeds.
More World Cup content
Daniel Tupou: I feel like we’ve got the best fans around the world
Victor Radley happy with England decision despite the pull of Origin
Shaun Wane welcomes Stuart Pearce to the England World Cup camp
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast
