Match Report – New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland

Patrick Tuipulotu, RD Savea, Will Jordan, Asafo Aumua, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown score tries as New Zealand’s All Blacks beat Ireland at Eden Park in the Nations Championship; Ireland scored through Jack Conan, Joe McCarthy, Hugo Keenan but came away with nothing

New Zealand secured a bonus-point Nations Championship victory over Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday.

A ruthless All Black display ensured they finished the home block of Rugby’s inaugural Nations Championship with a three-to-three victory, after beating Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park.

With 12 Ireland players sidelined through injury, their performance left much to be desired, their attack particularly weak and lacking zip or threat.

Defensively Andy Farrell’s side also conceded six tries, with lock Patrick Twipulotu, number 8 Ardi Savea, wing Will Jordan, hooker Asafo Aumua, full-back Damian McKenzie and substitute Anton Lienert-Brown all crossing for New Zealand, who thankfully did not lose a card to win in Ljubljana. For a dangerous clearout.

Ireland scored three tries through No 8 Jack Conan, lock Joe McCarthy and full-back Hugo Keenan, narrowed to 14-7 late in the first half, and were within 14 points twice in the second, but they could not muster a fourth score to miss out on at least one bonus-point.

Instead, Ireland’s flaws – plentiful in the competition – were victimized and exposed in a disappointing end to the visitors’ season.

Farrell laments Ireland’s ‘impurity’ and ‘lack of flow’

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said after the match:

“The word is wrong. Our consistency, we weren’t flowing for all kinds of reasons, whether it was discipline, dropped balls, touchdowns, etc.

“The character and fight is there for all to see and we saw that against Australia.

“But against a quality team like New Zealand you can’t make that many mistakes.

“When injuries happen, it’s somebody else’s chance. What’s coming in the next 15 months is priceless for us.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell lamented his side’s mistakes and poor attacking

McKenzie: Our most physical test of the summer – great to come out with a hard-fought win

Man of the Match Damian McKenzie said after the match:

“A tough Test match. Ireland came out strong, and we knew we had to start well.

“We had to get on with our work, and the second half was still a grind. The Irish boys are a tough side.

“We had to work really hard for our points in the second half. It’s great to come away with a hard Test win.

“These tests get more physical every week.”