Three Ireland players Andy Farrell should drop – and who should replace them
11/08/2024 06:23 PM
Ireland tasted their first home defeat in over three years, falling to New Zealand in a frustrating Autumn Nations Series clash that lacked the usual sparks seen in this storied rivalry.
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The All Blacks, steered by the clinical boot of Damian McKenzie, claimed a hard-fought 23-13 win—marking their first victory on Irish soil since 2016.
Damian McKenzie's Masterclass
New Zealand's fly-half Damian McKenzie was the star of the show, slotting six penalties to keep the All Blacks ahead throughout. He kicked three penalties in the opening half, giving New Zealand a narrow 9-6 lead. Even a yellow card for Jordie Barrett, who was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Garry Ringrose, didn't derail the visitors.
Josh van der Flier Sparks Hope
With the numerical edge, Ireland came out firing after the break. Josh van der Flier powered over for a crucial try, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and momentarily tipping the momentum in Ireland's favor. But discipline became Ireland's downfall.
McKenzie Puts Ireland Away
McKenzie remained ice-cool under pressure, adding three more penalties to extend New Zealand's lead. And when Will Jordan crossed the whitewash for his 37th try in 39 Tests, the result was sealed. Ireland's dreams of avenging their World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand were dashed.
Where Next for Ireland?
Andy Farrell faces tough decisions ahead of Ireland's next match. Here are three changes he might consider to reinvigorate his side.
#1. Mack Hansen
Extra.Ie 5/10: “Connacht wing was short of match practice coming into this game, and it showed. Usually finds a way to influence things but he struggled.”
Rugby Pass 5/10: “Showed flashes of his creativity with ball in hand and had a couple of threatening runs. Worked hard defensively but not as involved as he'd have liked.”
Possible replacement: Calvin Nash, Jason Stockdale
#2. Ronan Kelleher
Extra.IE 5/10: “Always a big ask for player who had only 12 minutes under his belt coming into this game. Won't be happy with three botched lineout throws.”
Rugby Pass 5/10: “Back from injury, Kelleher was strangely pinged for contesting the ball in a 9th-minute ruck, an infringement that saw New Zealand get their first points of the game. Ireland's win percentage at the lineout was also sub-par, but he wasn't totally to blame for that.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “His first game in a month and in many ways, it showed as he was certainly rusty but did throw his weight around well on defence. The lineout lacked a bit of urgency and pace and Kelleher does need to shoulder some of the blame for the All Blacks' two clean steals off his throws.”
Irish Examiner 5/10: “Hooker was a real issue at one point for Andy Farrell with a ton of injuries but Kelleher fought his way back and but lacked minutes (only 11 played beforehand) and the tight scrum was creaking all night. Lineout wobbled, too.”
Possible replacement: Rob Herring, Dave Heffernan
#3. Bundee Aki
Rugby Pass 3/10: “A totally off-colour performance from Aki. Opened his account with a poorly timed pass which went to the deck before inexplicably spilling a ball a few minutes later. One good run aside, the All Blacks had his number in attack, where he struggled to make a meaningful impact.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “A few uncharacteristic errors like dropping the ball cold as he looked up at the defence rather than keeping his eye on it. Still, he was tough to bring to the ground when he carried to the line but not at his box office best.”
Possible replacement: Robbie Henshaw
Check out RUCK’s player rating for Ireland and the All Blacks.
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