The All Blacks beat Ireland by 23-13 in a match that many agreed failed to live up to the pre-match hype. The defeat was Ireland’s first at home in more than three years.

New coach Scott Robertson’s All Blacks took control early on with fly-half Damian McKenzie kicking three penalties to give New Zealand a 9-6 half-time lead. However, a yellow card just before the break for Jordie Barrett gave Ireland a glimmer of hope in the second half.

Ireland came out all guns blazing in the second half and flanker Josh van der Vlier scored a much-needed try after the Irish drove the All Blacks over their line.  Jack Crowley converted and Ireland was suddenly in front by 13-9.

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— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 8, 2024

But Ireland’s discipline cost them dearly and McKenzie added three more penalties before Will Jordan’s try – his 37th in 39 Tests – put the nail in the coffin.

After the game, Player of the Match McKenzie said in his pitch-side interview that the win truly was a team effort. “I’m just really proud of the boys’ effort, particularly our forward pack, they really muscled up and our backs were able to build pressure. It’s never easy to win here so we’re very happy,” he said.

Ireland will now prepare to host Argentina next Friday, with New Zealand taking on France in Paris the following day.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg