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:
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
A win over England has restored a bit of belief to the New Zealand ranks after a lean Rugby Championship. But the All Blacks’ brand has not felt this weak for some time:
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: how rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
For so long men’s rugby’s premier power, New Zealand are in a rare reconstruction phase as they begin their Autumn Nations Series with a clash against England
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Captain Caelan eyes Lions role
Ireland number eight Caelan Doris is already being touted as Farrell’s captain for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. The in-form 26-year-old has a major opportunity to further stake his claim for that role this month after taking the captaincy from Peter O’Mahony. Doris first skippered Ireland against Italy in this year’s Six Nations before leading his country to July’s series-levelling 25-24 win against South Africa in Durban. “He’s thriving in the role now,” Farrell said of Doris’ leadership. “You can see that, he’s certainly walking tall. He’s taken it all in his stride and that puts everyone else at ease.”
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Scrum struggles
Struggles at the scrum were a contributing factor to Ireland’s quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup falling short just over 12 months ago. They will need to rectify those issues if they are to change the outcome this time around and must do so with a rejigged front row. Injury has deprived the hosts of star tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong, resulting in a start for Finlay Bealham, while they appear rusty at hooker. With first-choice number two Dan Sheehan sidelined, Ronan Kelleher is thrust straight in after recovering from an ankle issue. Replacement hooker Rob Herring has not played this season.
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Revenge not on the agenda
Ireland players on media duty this week have admitted the World Cup exit at the hands of the All Blacks still stings. Yet they - and head coach Farrell - have each stressed revenge is not a consideration going into what promises to be a titanic tussle. Aside from that agonising 28-24 quarter-final defeat in Paris, Ireland have had New Zealand’s number during the Farrell era. A memorable 29-20 Dublin win three autumns ago was followed by a historic 2-1 tour success in 2022. While victory on Friday evening cannot make up for the heartbreak suffered at Stade de France, Ireland will be eager to right some wrongs.
Damain McKenzie replaces Beauden Barrett in All Blacks side
Damian McKenzie is back at fly half for New Zealand in their clash with Ireland in Dublin, one of two injury enforced changes to the side who secured a narrow win over England.
McKenzie, who has spent much of the year in the number 10 jersey, replaced Beauden Barrett, who is unavailable due to a concussion he received in the 24-22 victory at Twickenham.
It is fair to say McKenzie’s performances this season have been mixed, but on his day is a match-winner.
“When he is on he is world class. You have to trust him,” coach Scott Robertson told reporters on Wednesday.
Asafo Aumua comes in at hooker for Codie Taylor, who was also concussed last weekend. The rest of the side remains the same.
“We have tried to keep the continuity in the squad as much as possible,” Robertson said. “There were some good performances (against England) and some cohesion. We won’t change just for the sake of it.”
Ireland given huge front-row fitness boost as team named for All Blacks test
Front-row forwards Finlay Bealham and Ronan Kelleher will start Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand in Dublin.
Prop Bealham comes into the team for Friday’s match in place of injured tighthead Tadhg Furlong, while hooker Kelleher has been passed fit after suffering an ankle issue only a month ago.
Kelleher, whose availability is a massive boost given the absence of sidelined Leinster team-mate Dan Sheehan, is one of 10 players retained from the side which began the series-levelling 25-24 win over world champions South Africa on July 13.
Ireland given huge front-row fitness boost as team named for All Blacks test
Ronan Kelleher is fit to star which alleviates Ireland’s injury crisis at hooker
Joe McCarthy – Ireland have earned right to ‘feel confident’ facing New Zealand
Lock Joe McCarthy believes Ireland have “earned the right” to feel confident of taking on the All Blacks as they attempt to banish bitter memories of last year’s agonising Rugby World Cup exit.
New Zealand are due at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin tonight for the first meeting of the sides since Andy Farrell’s team were defeated 28-24 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 tournament in France.
Ireland had won five of the previous eight clashes between the nations prior to the painful elimination in Paris, including securing a historic 2-1 tour success in 2022.
“Getting to play the All Blacks is where we want to be, testing ourselves against a world-class team, it’s exciting,” said McCarthy, who is fully fit following a recent hamstring issue.
“Every game starts on zero. I feel like every game, you have to make it happen.
“No matter what position you play, you’re playing against 15 top-quality rugby players, so you’re preparing as hard as you can.
“We’ve had a good track record the last few years, we’ve earned the right to have a bit of confidence going into games.”
Joe McCarthy – Ireland have earned right to ‘feel confident’ facing New Zealand
Ireland begin their autumn internationals against the All Blacks on Friday evening.
Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE
A very good evening, and welcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of Ireland’s opening Autumn Nations Series clash with New Zealand.
The November action got underway with a thriller between the All Blacks and England last weekend and this should be a proper humdinger, with Andy Farrell’s side out for a measure of World Cup revenge against a visiting team with confidence swelling after a significant win.
Kick off is at 8.10pm GMT.
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