Watch New Zealand vs Ireland — Second Rugby Union Test Match Free.
Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 07:05 UTC
The epic series continues as the All Blacks and Ireland face off in the second test. Expect high intensity and physical clashes as Ireland looks to secure a historic series win on Kiwi soil.
What's at Stake
The epic summer series reaches a critical juncture as the All Blacks and Ireland clash in a highly anticipated second test. For Ireland, this match represents a golden opportunity to secure a historic series victory on New Zealand soil, while the hosts are desperate to defend their home turf and keep the series alive. With both nations consistently sitting at the pinnacle of world rugby, this encounter carries immense pride, ranking points, and psychological dominance ahead of future global campaigns.
Head-to-Head
Recent encounters between these two heavyweights have developed into one of modern rugby's most compelling and fiercely contested rivalries. While New Zealand historically dominated this fixture, Ireland has claimed several landmark victories over the All Blacks in recent years, including a historic series win on Kiwi soil in 2022. Momentum has swung back and forth, with their most recent matchups characterized by razor-thin margins, intense physicality, and tactical brilliance from both coaching staffs.
Key Players to Watch
- Ardie Savea — The dynamic All Blacks loose forward remains the heartbeat of the Kiwi pack, crucial for winning the breakdown battle and generating front-foot ball.
- Caelan Doris — Ireland's talismanic back-rower will be essential in disrupting the New Zealand set-piece and carrying effectively in heavy traffic.
- Jordie Barrett — His versatility, defensive organization in the midfield, and long-range goal-kicking under pressure will be vital for the hosts.
Prediction
Expect another brutally physical and tactically tight contest that will likely be decided in the final ten minutes. While Ireland possesses the cohesive structure and defensive discipline to frustrate the hosts, the All Blacks playing in front of a passionate home crowd should find the necessary spark to level the series. New Zealand is predicted to edge out a incredibly close victory by a margin of five points or fewer to set up a thrilling series decider.
Where to Watch Free
How to Watch — Step by Step
Get a VPN
Sign up for NordVPN (30-day money-back guarantee). Install the app on your device.
Connect to New Zealand
Open the VPN app and connect to a server in New Zealand. This gives you a local IP address.
Go to TVNZ+
Visit https://www.tvnz.co.nz in your browser or app. The stream should be available for free.
Watch live
Enjoy the stream! If one service doesn't work, try another country from the table above.
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FAQ
How do I watch New Zealand vs Ireland — Second Rugby Union Test Match for free?
Connect your VPN to New Zealand, then visit TVNZ+. The stream is free-to-air in that country.
Which VPN should I use?
We recommend NordVPN for the best streaming experience — fast servers, reliable geo-unblocking, and easy setup.
Do I need to create an account on the streaming service?
Some free services require a free account (e.g., ITVX in the UK needs email signup). Others like ORF or ZDF stream without any account.
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