Can Ireland cement spot as world’s best team in Autumn Nations Series?

After yet another Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit and the retirement of influential captain Johnny Sexton, you’d have been forgiven for thinking Ireland would struggle to continue their dominance in 2024.

Yet they’re looking as strong as ever. They’re officially the world’s best team as we head into the Autumn Nations Series, having retained their Six Nations crown where only a narrow defeat to England prevented them from a second consecutive Grand Slam.

Andy Farrell’s side welcome New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia to Dublin this summer as they look to prove themselves as the world’s best. After already looking at England’s chances in the series, here’s everything you need to know about the Irish.

Who are Ireland playing?

Ireland v New Zealand – Friday 8th November, Aviva Stadium

Ireland’s opener against New Zealand takes place the week after the All Blacks take on England, giving them a chance to assess their prospects. Their only two matches since the Six Nations have been against South Africa and they’ll take confidence from those following a win and a defeat.

South Africa beat the Kiwis twice at the end of the summer so Ireland will feel that they’re able to match them. The pair last met in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final a year ago, which New Zealand edged 28-24 to condemn Ireland to yet another last-eight exit. They also met in a three-game series back in 2022, with Ireland coming out on top in two of the three matches.

Ireland v Argentina – Friday 15th November, Aviva Stadium

Argentina’s trip to Dublin will also be their second game of the Autumn Nations Series – they visit Italy in their first outing before heading to France after facing Ireland. The last time the two sides locked horns was three years ago, where a convincing Ireland performance saw them comfortably win 53-7.

In fact, Ireland have won all but one of the last nine meetings with Argentina. Their only defeat on that run typically came in the World Cup quarter-final back in 2015. Argentina have enjoyed a positive year so far. In their summer series, they beat New Zealand 38-30, won against South Africa and also did the double over Australia, including a 67-27 win.

Ireland v Fiji – Saturday 23rd November, Aviva Stadium

Fiji will have found their rhythm by the time they meet Ireland as they face Scotland and Wales first. But their opening two games will likely be nothing compared to a tough test against the world’s best side.

They’re well practised this summer having recently won the Pacific Nations Cup for the seventh time. They eased past Samoa and Tonga in the pool stage before smashing the USA in the semi-finals. They then comfortably beat Japan 41-17 in the final. Despite their strong form, a better indication of their level against top sides is their crushing 47-5 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in July.

Ireland v Australia – Saturday 30th November, Aviva Stadium

In the last game of the Autumn Nations Series, Ireland face an Australia side who will have already played England, Wales and Scotland. It was a difficult summer for the Aussies, who lost five of their six matches against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. Their only victory came in their opener against the Argentines, although they lost the second match-up badly.

Australia have only won once on Irish soil since 2005. Their pair last met two years ago, with Ireland coming out on top in a 13-10 victory. Prior to that, Ireland won 2-1 in a series down under. The two sides traditionally compete for the Lansdowne Cup – Ireland are the current holders, although Australia have won it a record eight times.

Hospitality for Ireland’s matches

As ever, you’ll be able to watch Ireland host some of the world’s best rugby teams from the comfort of Engage’s hospitality areas.

Our suite is situated in the Marian College Marquee, which is just a short walk from the Aviva Stadium entrance. As well as a seat at a table in the glass-fronted marquee, you’ll also get all this:

●    Unrivalled views of the match in the East Stand Lower
●    Full complimentary bar
●    Three-course gourmet meal with accompanying wines
●    Finger food during post-match reception
●    Interview with current Irish players
●    HD TVs with video replay and ref talk
●    Experienced event managers on hand to assist you throughout the day

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Ireland squad

Forwards

Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster) 

Backs

Bundee Aki (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

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