PremiumOpinionOpinion byGregor PaulRugby analyst·NZ Herald·13 Jul, 2026 11:01 PM5 mins to readRugby analyst and feature writer‌Chris Reive and Nathan Limm from Herald sport react to Brendon McCullum's sacking, the World Cup semi-final line-up, and the All Blacks' win over Italy. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAYIn the context of the Nations Championship, this Saturday’s clash between the All Blacks and Ireland is arguably the pivotal encounter of the July phase of the competition.

This is No 2 versus No 3 in World Rugby’s rankings, but in the inter-hemisphere context, it is No 2 versus No