Ireland v New Zealand as it happened: Result and reaction after All Blacks end home winning run
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand: Six penalties from Damian McKenzie and a Will Jordan try secured a significant victory for the All Blacks
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Your support makes all the difference.Ireland suffered a first defeat in Dublin in more than three years as an impressive New Zealand powered their way to a second consecutive Autumn Nations Series win.
Andy Farrell’s side were narrowly beaten by the All Blacks in a thrilling Paris quarter-final last October, ending their hopes of breaking their tournament hoodoo, but failed to channel any lingering hurt in a sloppy, scrappy performance. Josh van der Flier’s early second half try was their lone attacking bright spot as the hosts failed to find rhythm, perhaps dealing with some rust after several months away from international action and the departure of attack coach Mike Catt.
For New Zealand, meanwhile, this was another significant step forward after struggling to close out tight games during their Rugby Championship campaign. After beating England last week, this was a controlled and calm performance led by fly half Damian McKenzie, who eschewed his usual flicks and tricks to play an expert territorial game and strike six times from the tee on his way to 18 points. Will Jordan’s beautifully-taken try widened the final margin as the All Blacks knocked off a top-ranked Ireland side.
Re-live all of the action from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
Ireland made to pay for error-prone performance as All Blacks end run of Dublin dominance
Ireland suffered further disappointment at the hands of New Zealand as their 19-match winning streak in Dublin was ended by a 23-13 defeat.
Andy Farrell’s side were facing the formidable All Blacks for the first time since last year’s agonising 28-24 World Cup quarter-final loss in France.
A 37th international try from full-back Will Jordan helped deny the hosts a modicum of revenge, adding to six penalties from fly-half Damian McKenzie as the Kiwis again came out on top.
Ireland made to pay for error-strewn performance as All Blacks end Dublin dominance
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand: Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties and produced a brilliant controlling performance as the All Blacks inflicted a first home defeat for Ireland since 2021
And here’s Ireland captain Caelan Doris
“It was intense,” the number eight says to TNT Sports. “It felt like we were quite reactive throughout and our discipline wasn’t where we needed it to be. They are a quality side and put us under pressure, and we weren’t good enough.
“Discipline was a big part of it. It felt like we didn’t fire enough shots. I’m not sure exactly what the answers are right now. At half time, we felt there was another level in us and the discipline would start to improve. We did early on, but we let them back into it again.
“We’ll be better because of it. We have three big games over the next few weeks and we’ve got to improve.”
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson speaks to TNT Sports
“We’ll make sure we have a couple of Guinnesses,” Scott Robertson chuckles. “It’s a hell of a storyline with the way the rivalry that has been created, two islands going at it. It was a hell of a match.
“I thought we defended incredibly well. We slowed our feet down a bit so we weren’t getting penalised for tackles off the ball like we did against England. We’ve talked a lot about composure. It was really pleasing with all the work we’ve been doing.
“It’s so pleasing. It’ll be good to watch it back and debrief. These five weeks on the end-of-year tour can really galvanise you and make you tight, and you saw that tonight. Damian McKenzie is so mercurial, and sometimes he doesn’t quite get it right, but when he does, it’s special.”
FT: Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
That was a performance of real maturity from Damian McKenzie, the kind that we probably haven’t seen often enough from him at Test level. Yes, Ireland were short of their best but the manner in which he took command of the contest was very impressive. With Beauden Barrett likely to be back available for France next Saturday, and Will Jordan flying at full-back, Scott Robertson has a decision to make.
Damian McKenzie speaks to TNT Sports after New Zealand’s win
“It was extremely tough. The Irish are a great side. I’m really proud of the boys efforts, our forward pack really muscled up and we were able to build pressure through our kicking game.
“Test matches like that are won in small moments. We capitalised on a few of those, got some penalties and scored some points. We’re over the moon with that one. It was a little bit wet under foot so we had to be smart with our gameplan. My mindset was making our forwards’ job as easy as possible by putting the ball in front.
“I probably needed to put in a big performance. But I was able to work off a great platform. Our forwards made my life easy.”
FT: Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
For the first time since the 2021 Six Nations, Ireland have been beaten at the Aviva Stadium. The hosts just never got going tonight, sloppy, slapdash and snatching at chances as the All Blacks secured a significant win in Dublin. It didn’t feel like New Zealand really had to hit any of their top gears, either, but that’s two from two for Scott Robertson’s side on this northern excursion as the rebuild continues to show serious promise.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 80 minutes
And they may well end the match with the ball, too. Rob Herring throws but the lone jumper in the lineout is Patrick Tuipulotu, who takes it in comfort.
Man of the match Damian McKenzie sends the ball to the stands and the match to a close.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 79 minutes
Cam Roigard wastes no time in putting boot to ball, turning Hugo Keenan with a spiralling kick that ends up seven metres from the Ireland line. Time running short for Ireland, and a pass hits the floor in their attacking passage to leave them hailing Mary.
Jamie Osborne has little option but to kick, and Jordie Barrett is there to cover. Victory will be New Zealand’s.
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