Ireland’s Autumn Internationals: Joe Schmidt’s return and revenge over the All Blacks
All Blacks back-rower Ardie Savea in action during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stade de France.
Ireland will face the All Blacks and Wallabies this November in the Autumn Nations Series, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have confirmed.
On November 8, Andy Farrell’s team will take on the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium, marking their first clash since New Zealand eliminated Ireland from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the quarter-finals.
Ireland to tackle All Blacks and Wallabies
As part of their Northern Hemisphere tour, Scott Robertson’s team will make their second stop in Dublin, following their match against England a week earlier. Ireland has a strong recent record against the All Blacks in Dublin, with victories in their last two meetings, a 16-9 win in 2018 and a 29-20 triumph in 2022.
Farrell’s charges also picked up a 2-1 series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022.
Meanwhile, the series finale on Saturday, November 30, will see former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt leading the Wallabies to the Aviva Stadium. The match marks Schmidt’s return to his old stomping gound in his new role following his successful tenure with Ireland. The 58-year-old, who led Ireland through three Rugby World Cups, will now be on the opposing side, adding an intriguing dynamic to the game.
In between the stellar fixtures against the All Blacks and Wallabies, Ireland will take on Argentina on Friday, November 15, and Fiji on Saturday, November 23.
Following the 2024 Six Nations, Ireland will tackle the double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks in two Tests in South Africa in July.
“Hugely exciting” fixtures
The clash against Schmidt’s Australia has also been arranged as part of the IRFU’s 150th-year celebrations.
“This November’s line-up is a hugely exciting one for the Irish rugby public and we are looking forward to competing against four hugely talented sides,” Ireland head coach Farrell said.
“There is an added dimension to this year’s autumn series, with a fourth match against Australia set to mark the IRFU’s 150th celebrations.
“We look forward to testing ourselves against some of the most exciting teams in the world, with whom Ireland has such strong traditions and rivalries. It promises to be a series to remember.”
The November fixtures will be Farrell’s final four Tests in charge before he takes a break from the role to focus on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures at the Aviva Stadium
Friday, November 8 – Ireland v New Zealand (8:10 pm)
Friday, November 15 – Ireland v Argentina (8:10 pm)
Saturday, November 23 – Ireland v Fiji (3:10 pm)
Saturday, November 30 – Ireland v Australia (3:10 pm)
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