"Below the belt" – Ireland cheap shot sparked 20-man brawl against All Blacks

11/09/2024 10:12 AM

All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett certainly wasn't holding back against Ireland, and now we know what really lit the fuse.

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Joe McCarthy Gets the Barrett Treatment

In a heated moment, Barrett grabbed Irish lock Joe McCarthy by the collar, and the two traded heated words as their teammates rushed in to break things up. But what exactly made the All Blacks captain lose his cool?

The Incident That Crossed the Line

Post-match, Barrett shed light on the scuffle, revealing he'd witnessed something "below the line" that he felt needed immediate attention. Charging into the fray, he seemed to repeatedly warn McCarthy, mouthing, "don't you do that," while standing his ground

“I don’t usually take exception but I saw something that was below the line for me and I had make a point that ‘tonight, you’re not targeting our 10 like that.’

“They play hard, they’re a great team, physical team and a great with ball in hand, it was just the one moment there.

“I was getting up from a ruck and from where I saw it, Damian [McKenzie] was on the ground and I think Joe cleaned him up. From where I saw it it was around his head, whether it was or not I’m not really sure but I guess I took exception to that in the moment, it may not have been so yeah, not too sure.”

Ireland 13

• Tries: Josh van der Flier (42′)
• Cons: Jack Crowley (43′)
• Pens: Jack Crowley(07′, 39′)

All Blacks: 23

• Tries: Will Jordan (68′)
• Cons:
• Pens: Damian McKenzie (09′, 28′, 37′, 48′, 61′, 64′)

Ireland player ratings vs All Blacks:

15: Hugo Keenan – 6

Keenan had little involvement in the game, with the Irish attack struggling to flourish. He dealt with his high balls well, but struggled to add to the Irish attack. In defence, he showed good decision making choosing to bite down, or stand off when one on one.

14: Mack Hansen – 5

Similar to Keenan. Little involvement yet dealt with basics well. Ireland tried to use Hansen as a first receiver in the first half, with little reward. Hansen wasn’t in the game at all.

13: Garry Ringrose – 5

Solid in defence, with no contribution in attack. Ringrose fronted up well, but alike the rest of Ireland’s backs didn’t have much ball in hand.

12: Bundee Aki – 8

Aki was phenomenal. From facing off the Haka to the final whistle, he was arguably Irelands best player. With his Irish citizenship granted this September, Bundee performed for the first time as a citizen, with powerful carries and some great tackles in defence. Driving Sam Cane over his own line eventually lead to Ireland’s only try. A phenomenal performance from Ireland’s inside centre.

11: James Lowe – 7

Lowe as always managed to find involvement. Ireland’s attack was poor but the Kiwi come Irishman popped up everywhere. His handling skills were often on show, and with some great long range kicking and a 50/22, Lowe performed well.

10: Jack Crowley – 6

Crowley did all that was asked on the kicking front with two penalties, and one conversion. His general game in attack was poor, given the Kiwi dominance of the ball. Crowley’s restarts offered Ireland a platform to be aggressive and win the ball back.

9: Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5

So much of the Irish gameplay relies on Gibson Park, and while this was not on show today, he was excellent. In the first half he showed superb defence, sacking Will Jordan inside the Irish 22, and consistently scrambling to stop New Zealand attacks.

8: Caelan Doris (captain) – 6.5

The Irish captain will be disappointed with the result and his team, however Doris himself played well. With Jacques Nienbar imprinting a new Leinster defensive system this season Doris offered glimpses of this in the first half, with strong counter rucking and general power in defence. He carried well off the base of scrums and in general play.

7: Josh van der Flier – 7

Ireland’s only try scorer of the night should be impressed with his efforts. A constant thorn in defence similar to Doris, showcasing so much of what Leinster have done this season. Van Der Flier was powerful in both attack and defence showing a now regular all round performance.

6: Tadhg Beirne – 6

Beirne was central to Ireland’s early plan to flood New Zealand ruck ball. He made it scrappy for Ratima, who struggled off the base. With some rips and turnovers Beirne played well but didn’t excel to the level expected of his calibre.

5: James Ryan – 5

Ryan has been impressive for Leinster this season, but did not carry his early season form into tonight. He struggled to impact the game from the second row and Ireland’s line out was poor, something he prides himself off.

4: Joe McCarthy – 6

McCarthy seemed to be everywhere for the first 40. He carried well and provided power and aggression but at times it seemed too aggressive. The youngster was caught a few times with poor decision-making and will take this game as another learning experience.

3: Finlay Bealham – 5

The Irish front row lost the scrum battle which was key given the scrappy game. Bealham was taken off with around 20 to play, but found himself straight back in the battle after Tom O’Toole failed a HIA. With Furlong out, Bealham missed an opportunity to showcase his talent and gain a starting spot.

2: Rónan Kelleher – 5

Kelleher carried well and was generally powerful in open play. However, the Irish lineout faltered, and although not all due to the hooker, Ireland lost this key battle.

1: Andrew Porter – 6

Porter showed the intensity Ireland wanted to bring from the first play. Charging down a box kick he turned to the crowd and riled them. However, the Irish players could not bring this intensity for the full 80. The scrum faltered and with the loosehead the only ever-present he will be disappointed with his days work.

Replacements

16: Rob Herring – 5

The Kiwi born hooker entered the battle with 20 to go. Herring struggled to be involved with the All Blacks asserting control.

17: Cian Healy – N/a

18: Tom O’Toole – N/a

19: Iain Henderson – 4

Henderson was poor during his 20 minute cameo. His first real involvement was a knock-on and that set the tone. The Ulster lock struggled to add any power to the Irish pack.

20: Peter O’Mahony – N/a

21: Conor Murray – N/a

22: Ciaran Frawley – 4

It will be a night to forget for Ciaran Frawley. The Leinster man with so much promise showed little and failed to meet the occasion. Coming off the back of a last-gasp drop goal in South Africa expectations were high when Frawley was introduced. The full back/centre/out-half found himself in charge of the Irish attack. Multiple knock ons saw his confidence fade quickly and Ireland struggled to create with him in charge.

23: Jamie Osborne – N/a

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