Live: All Blacks in trouble as clinical Irish extend lead

Welcome to live coverage of the All Blacks’ decider against Ireland in Wellington.

Ireland have dominated the first-half against the All Blacks in Wellington, taking a commanding 22-3 lead into the sheds.

While the All Blacks have actually had the majority of possession, the visitors have been far more clinical with their opportunities.

The Irish struck first in the fourth minute through flanker Josh van der Flier, who reaped the rewards of a rampaging maul in the fourth minute.

While the All Blacks answered back almost 20 minutes later after Jordie Barrett converted a penalty from close range.

But it’s been all Ireland since, with the visitors scoring two more tries behind the end of the half.

New Zealand-born winger James Lowe played a crucial part in Ireland’s second try of the decider in the 28th minute.

Lowe made a break down the left edge before a brilliant pass sent fullback Hugo Keenan over for a five-pointer.

Flyhalf Johnny Sexton converted a long-range penalty goal shortly after to extend their lead to 15-3.

But Ireland weren’t done, with Bundee Aki brilliance sending midfielder partner Robbie Henshaw over for a score in the dying stages of the half.

The All Blacks have had no answers to the relentless pressure of the Irish defence, and they haven’t been able to limit their execution in attack either.

Plenty of rugby still to be played but it’s well and truly Ireland’s to lose at this stage.

LIVE MATCH CENTRE: CLICK HERE

**

The All Blacks were dealt a major blow ahead of their series decider against Ireland in Wellington with star forward Scott Barrett having been ruled out at the 11th hour.

New Zealand media had speculated during the week that the Crusaders captain was in doubt for the third Test at Sky Stadium due to what is believed to be a injury to his knee.

Blue forward Akira Ioane has been named for his first Test of the year, and is set to replace Barrett at blindside flanker.

Lock Tupou Vaa’i has been promoted to the bench, and will provide cover for stalwarts Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock who have been named to start.

But if Ian Foster was feeling the pinch he certainly wasn’t showing it on Thursday, as he named his squad for Saturday’s decider against Ireland.

‘Like a knockout’: Wallabies out to end Eddie’s England in final Test at SCG- LIVE

The All Blacks coach is under a world of pressure, having lost three of his past four Tests including last week's second Test against Ireland in Dunedin. It has sent the three-match Test series into a decider, with the world — and most likely — the New Zealand Rugby board watching.

“Internally, there’s a lot of reflection in what we’re doing,” Foster said. “Then you get into gear and start really nailing the next week. So that’s where I’m at, I can’t wait.

“Everyone is learning that this is a high quality team we’re playing against, it’s a great examination for us. We have to show that we’re smart and we’re learning as well.

“This is where you want to be in terms of the excitement.”

Follow all the live action in our blog below!

Veteran lock Sam Whitelock is a key figure returning to the pack after missing the second Test with concussion symptoms and partners Brodie Retallick in an intimidating second-row pair.

Follow all the live action in our blog below!

The tourists have made just one injury-enforced starting change to the team who notched a first Ireland win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, with Bundee Aki restored at inside centre.

He replaces the injured Garry Ringrose, with Robbie Henshaw moving out one place in the midfield.

While Ireland pulled off their first win in New Zealand last weekend, coach Andy Farrell quite rightly said his could improve having blown a number of chances in attack last week.

“I think the best part of where we’re at is that we know we can do better,” Farrell said.

“What we’ve done pretty well over the last period of time is have a clear understanding of what our game is all about, and it becomes more clear and obvious, the more we push on together.

“Albeit we had a decent result in the last Test, hopefully our best is saved to last.”

All Blacks (15-1): Jordie Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Akira Ioane; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papalii, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Ireland (15-1): Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter.

Reserves: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Keith Earls.

Follow all the live action in our blog below!