Ireland beaten by All Blacks in autumn opener on a disappointing evening
Ireland’s 19-match winning streak at the Aviva Stadium was ended as New Zealand were punished for an error-filled and undisciplined performance.
The All Blacks claimed a 23–13 win in Dublin courtesy of six Damien McKenzie penalties and a late Will Jordan try, their first win in the Irish capital since 2016.
Having faced each other for the first time since their blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris 13 months ago, Friday’s clash proved largely dull, dominated by knock-ons and slow set-ups.
McKenzie scored 18 points on the evening, while full-back Jordan scored the All Blacks’ only try as Ireland lost at home for the first time since 2021 – and only the second time under Andy Farrell.
Ireland took a 13–9 lead early in the second half thanks to a try by Josh van der Flier and the boot of Jack Crawley, but it was a disappointingly bad night for Farrell, who walked away from Ireland at the end of the month. Because he was preparing. The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia next summer.
ireland – Tries: Van der Flier (43). Cons: Crawley (44). Pen:Crowley (8, 40).
new zealand – Attempts: Jordan (69). Pen: McKenzie (10, 29, 38, 49, 62, 65).
Scoring order: 3-0, 3-3, 3-6. 3-9, 6-9, 13-9, 13-12, 13-15, 13-18, 13-23.
How the All Blacks defeated Ireland
Will Jordan scored a late try to ensure New Zealand’s victory
In front of a packed Lansdowne Road crowd under the lights, Ireland took the lead in the eighth minute through a Crawley penalty, which came after Jordie Barrett fouled Mac Hansen under a Jameson Gibson-Park box-kick in the center of the pitch.
However, the All Blacks were level within three minutes as scrum-half Cortez Ratima made the most of good fortune to advance to a line-break after his own pass was fumbled when Finlay Bealham was penalised. McKenzie gave a direct penalty. For lying on the wrong side while attempting a breakdown hunt by Ronan Kelleher.
Finlay Bealham made a tough start for Ireland after Tadhg Furlong was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Mack Henson made his first international appearance in 2024, handing over the captaincy to No. 8 Kellan Dorris.
New Zealand made two changes to the team that beat England, with Damien McKenzie and Asafe Aumua replacing Beauden Barrett and Cody Taylor, who were ruled out through injury.
Following this, New Zealand exerted a period of pressure in the Irish half, but the home team’s defense proved strong to keep the visitors out – Gibson-Park made an excellent tackle on McKenzie amidst several strong defence, which led to a knock-on and Forced a turnover.
However, Gibson-Park was caught offside, giving McKenzie the opportunity to kick into the corner for his best chance of the Test so far. The All Blacks could not make it count due to an apparent crooked lineout throw from Asafo Aumua.
McKenzie added the next points just before the half-hour mark when a controversial scrum turnover resulted in Ireland’s shaky defense conceding a penalty near his own post.
Damien McKenzie kicked six penalties for 18 points
Ireland soon missed their clearest chance in the New Zealand 22 when Kelleher inadvertently kicked a ball forward and loose following a Bundy Aki carry, before New Zealand took the lead at the other end to 9–3 when James Ryan was caught by a free-kick. Was punished for failing. Roll.
Just before half time a brilliant Aki carry and offload saw Gary Ringrose hit high in the head by Jordie Barrett, who was shown a yellow and was lucky to avoid a red.
With the final act of the half, Crawley kicked his second penalty kick to end a disappointing, scrum-dominated 40 minutes at 9–6.
Josh Van der Flier gave Ireland the lead early in the second half but again failed to score
All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a conceded a penalty for obstruction at the restart, but Ireland failed to make the chance count in the first period after Crowley headed a corner kick as the visitors regained possession on the counter-attack.
However, Ireland’s response was brilliant, as they forced Sam Kane back to his own try-line for a five-metre scrum. From the next attack, Van der Flier struggled to get over the line for the opening effort in the 44th minute.
Crawley converted brilliantly for a 13–9 lead and a Gibson-Park tackle forced a turnover, with Ireland almost out for the second straight try. New Zealand escaped attack when James Lowe was penalized for a neck-roll.
Bundy Aki was a bright spark for Ireland, but they failed to threaten as before
Hooker Aumua forced a momentum-changing All Blacks breakdown penalty moments later, and McKenzie showed superb composure to power home a long-range effort after the ball fell off the tee.
That attack reduced Ireland’s lead to one point, with Barrett returning from his sin-binning soon after and New Zealand still firmly in the contest.
McKenzie missed a chance to take the lead when he hit the post with a Central penalty in the 57th minute, but New Zealand took the lead just after the hour mark when a scrum decision was ruled harsh against Ireland – a scrum only head. Was given to replace prop Tom O’Toole due to injury.
New Zealand extended their lead to five points through the boot of McKenzie after poor play from replacement lock Ian Henderson, who failed to release at a ruck. And that lead soon became an unassailable 10 points when Jordan dived over in the corner following fast attacking play from the All Blacks.
Ireland’s substitute fly-half Ciaran Frawley bowled his second high ball without any pressure, which would have bought more time for Ireland, but Lowe then scored from outside his own 22 with 50:22 to give them hope.
However, Ardie Savea dashed that hope with a vital breakdown penalty in his own 22 with six minutes to play, leading the All Blacks to consecutive impressive wins over England and Ireland in Europe.
Analysis: Alarm bells are ringing after Ireland’s weak performance
James Lowe disappointed after the final whistle
Sky Sports’ Tony Tighe:
It was a different world to the Ireland we were used to seeing.
Control, accuracy, good decision-making, ruthlessness – all of these were lacking as thoughts of avenging last year’s World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand were quickly forgotten.
Concerns regarding set-pieces were soon realized as Ireland struggled in both scrums and lineouts, while a lack of kicking game and disappointing discipline proved costly on the damp Dublin night. Chuck is suffering a number of management errors, misplaced passes and an inability to compete with New Zealand in the air – alarm bells should be ringing for Farrell and his coaching staff.
But thanks to some excellent final defending, New Zealand could have been out of sight at half-time. Barrett’s sin-binning gave Ireland hope, and they went ahead through Van der Flier’s try after the restart, but they did not trouble the scoreboard again as their attack continued to be poor.
First home defeat since 2021 This is not how the IRFU wanted to start its 150th anniversary celebrations. It’s back to the drawing board ahead of Friday’s trip to dangerous Argentina.
Doris disappointed with poor discipline
ireland captain cailan doris told virgin forest,
“It’s not us, it’s not the best performance we’re capable of. Part of it is certainly down to the quality of New Zealand.”
“I thought we were reactive the whole time. They were having more shots than us. That was the message at half-time – we felt they took too much away from them and it was our turn to get the momentum going. We did that early on. Did it with effort but they came back in. Our discipline was definitely a big factor.
“Was corrosion a factor? Possibly, but that’s no excuse for us.”
Farrell: Ireland’s players are doomed
ireland head coach andy farrell told virgin forest,
“The players are disappointed there, and I’m disappointed for them. They had prepared well and were excited about the game. We pressed ourselves too hard at times with too many mistakes in a row.
“Long story short, the best team won.”
What will happen next?
Ireland’s Autumn Nations series continues against Argentina at the Allianz Stadium on Friday, November 15 (8.10pm), while New Zealand face France at the Stade de France on November 16 (8.10pm).
