Ireland 13 – 23 New Zealand: Expected thriller fails to deliver in Ireland's Autumn Series opener.
11/08/2024 07:20 PM
Ireland and the All Blacks have developed a strong rivalry with a bitter underbelly, but tonight a scrappy game saw New Zealand gain a second victory on the trot over their Irish counterparts, with the home side failing to deliver.
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Ireland met the Haka with a stride forward, however their performance did not match. Andrew Porter set a hopeful tone from the first minute, blocking down a New Zealand exit. A scrappy and tense game was coming.
Crowley got the scoreboard ticking on 7 minutes before Damian McKenzie levelled on 10 minutes.
The rest of the first half saw New Zealand excel, with Damian McKenzie running well in a narrowed attack. Wallace Sititi won an incredible turnover before McKenzie put the visitors 3 points ahead.
The All Blacks were beginning to assert control. Mckenzie added another 3, before Jordie Barrett was sent to the bin for a high tackle on his soon to be centre partner, Leinster man Garry Ringrose, ensuing 3 more Irish points. This brought a close to a hotly contested half at 6-9, in which New Zealand showed more attacking intent with the Irish living off scraps and a strong scramble defence.
Ireland came out a different animal for the second half, winning a penalty straight from the restart inside the opposition 22m. This phase of play eventually saw Josh van Der Flier cross the line for Ireland on the 43 minute mark.
Ireland continued to put New Zealand under the cosh with scrum half Cortez Ratima struggling under ruck pressure. Mckenzie calmed New Zealand knocking over 3, with the Irish a point ahead and 30 minutes to play.
The All Blacks quickly reasserted control. Mckenzie lead his troops brilliantly, effecting overall play with superb running and a great kicking game.
Big changes came for Ireland, with 20 to go in what proved disastrous changes. Ireland couldn’t continue their pressure with new faces. Out-half Frawley had a cameo to forget, with New Zealand sensing opportunity.
McKenzie kicked another to put the Kiwi’s ahead with 15 to play, before a brilliant run of phases saw Will Jordan cross with 10 minutes left. Ireland responded with a James Lowe 50/22 offering a spark, but nightmares of the quarter final loss followed, with Ardie Savea earning a brilliant turnover in his own 22 stopping Irish momentum.
Irish efforts faded and New Zealand came out victorious in scrappy final battle. The All Blacks leave Dublin victorious thanks to 18 points from the slick Damian McKenzie.
A forgetful Friday night in Dublin for Ireland, sees their 19 game winning streak at home end. It’s Argentina for Farrell’s Ireland next, while Scott Robertson’s All Blacks travel to Paris hoping for another scalp.
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