For 28 matches over 111 years it was as one-sided a rivalry as possible, with the All Blacks winning 27 and there being one draw.

However, a famous afternoon in Chicago in November 2016 landed Ireland on the board, and things progressed from there.

Another historic victory came two years later when Ireland secured their first victory against New Zealand on Irish soil, with a 16–9 victory in Dublin.

But the All Blacks have their fearsome reputation for a reason and they ran riot against Ireland in the World Cup quarter-finals in Japan in 2019.

Ireland fought back in Dublin in 2021, and an even bigger moment came the following summer when they not only beat New Zealand on their home turf for the first time, but came back from a match led to win the series 2-1.

But once again, it was New Zealand who had the last word at the World Cup in France.

Ireland were in fine form and had beaten South Africa in the group stage, but the All Blacks shattered Irish dreams once again with another victory in the round of 16.

Friday’s game is the first meeting since then, and also former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton’s comments about Reiko Ioane, so there should be plenty of needles.