Steve Hansen on Ireland’s shot at Eden Park history - New Zealand v Ireland

Can Ireland finally do what no side has managed for 32 years and beat the All Blacks at Eden Park? In Part 1, David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down one of the biggest matches in world rugby, looking at whether this Irish side has the power and control to end New Zealand’s streak, how Dave Rennie’s All Blacks are evolving, and why the breakdown, aerial battle and line speed will decide everything. The conversation then opens into a broader rugby debate on selection management, scrum refereeing, the TMO’s growing influence, the fairness of Japan’s Newcastle fixture, and what tournament unity should really look like.

You can listen to or watch the FULL EPISODE here: open.spotify.com/show/2CsMO8YIDbnY2zDM1BPWE9

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In this episode:
00:00 🏟️ Can Ireland break the Eden Park streak?
03:00 🇮🇪 Ireland’s best team, Prendergast and New Zealand’s form
05:00 🧠 How Ireland try to unpick the All Blacks
06:00 ⚫ What New Zealand must do to protect the record
09:00 📋 Dave Rennie’s selections and what they say to the squad
11:00 🗣️ How top coaches manage selection disappointment
14:00 🧑‍⚖️ Nic Berry, quick ball and the scrum debate
20:00 🎥 TMO overload and why 15 v 15 still matters
30:00 🇯🇵 David Nucifora clarifies why Japan played in Newcastle
34:00 🏉 Should the All Blacks wear the tournament logo?

Call to action:
📌 Can Ireland actually win at Eden Park — or will New Zealand find a way again?

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