New Zealand 40-21 over Ireland, extend Eden Park streak 53

New Zealand extended its historic unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 53 consecutive Test matches with a commanding 40-21 victory over Ireland in the third round of the inaugural Nations Championship on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The win in Auckland maintained the All Blacks' perfect start to the competition and dealt a significant blow to Ireland's hopes of a clean sweep of their Southern Hemisphere tour.

Ireland, having entered the match on a five-game winning streak after narrow bonus-point victories over Australia and Japan, were outclassed by a resurgent New Zealand side. The All Blacks seized control in the first half with tries from Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, and Asafo Aumua. Flyhalf Ruben Love kicked five conversions throughout the match. Ireland's only response before halftime came from Jack Conan. The visitors added second-half tries through Joe McCarthy and Hugo Keenan, but further scores from Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown sealed a comprehensive New Zealand triumph.

The match was played against the backdrop of New Zealand's legendary record at their Auckland fortress, where they have not lost since July 3, 1994. Ireland, despite a historic Test...