Ireland head into the inaugural Nations Championship with a battered roster but high expectations after a 17‑test winning streak and a Grand Slam that followed their 2022 tour of New Zealand and a belief that they can finally conquer the Southern giants. The opening leg pits them against Australia and Japan in the Southern Hemisphere before a showdown at Eden Park on 18 July.

Injury woes dominate selection; captain Caelan Doris, Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle are all unavailable, as are Jack Crowley, Mack Hansen and James Lowe. Fly‑half Jack Crowley’s blood‑vessel issue forces Andy Farrell to choose between Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne and versatile Ciaran Frawley for the No 10 jersey. By mid‑summer Farrell hopes the fresh faces will inject energy.

Five uncapped players join the squad, including Connacht prop Billy Bohan, try‑scoring number eight Sean Jansen and Ulster wing Zac Ward, all eyeing a chance to impress ahead of the All Blacks test. Ireland must end New Zealand’s 52-Test unbeaten run** at Eden Park, a streak unbroken since France’s 1994 victory, to cement their claim as world‑ranking leaders.