On a rain-soaked night at Aviva Stadium, New Zealand shattered Ireland’s impressive 19-game home winning streak with a decisive 23-13 victory. The All Blacks delivered a masterclass in wet-weather rugby, executing their game plan with precision while Ireland faltered with handling errors. The Autumn Nations Series clash saw the visitors control the game long before the final whistle, raising serious questions for the home side.
A Tough Start in Terrible Conditions
The game began under a dark Dublin sky, with the pouring rain making the ball incredibly slippery. From the outset, Ireland struggled to adapt, with basic handling errors and inaccurate passes plaguing their performance. While the home crowd was full of energy, the team on the pitch could not find its rhythm.
New Zealand, in contrast, seemed to relish the challenging conditions. They were composed and disciplined, taking an early lead through the reliable boot of Damian McKenzie. Ireland’s inability to manage the basics gave the All Blacks the early advantage they needed.
Although a couple of penalties from Jack Crowley kept Ireland in the contest, their set-piece began to crumble. The lineout, usually a source of strength, was particularly poor, failing to provide a solid platform for attack.
A Brief Glimmer of Hope for Ireland
Just before halftime, Ireland finally found a moment of inspiration. With New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett in the sin bin for a high tackle, the home side used their one-man advantage effectively. Flanker Josh van der Flier powered over the line for a crucial try, leveling the score and sending a jolt of energy through the stadium.
This score felt like a potential turning point, a reward for their persistence despite a frustrating first half. However, the try came while playing against 14 men, and it papered over the cracks that were already showing in Ireland’s game.
New Zealand Reasserts Its Dominance
Any hope of an Irish comeback in the second half was quickly extinguished by a clinical New Zealand side. The All Blacks came out with renewed focus, and their defense held firm against any Irish pressure. The score remained tied at 13-13 until a critical moment at the 65-minute mark.
A scrum decision against Ireland’s prop, Finlay Bealham, gave Damian McKenzie a penalty opportunity, which he calmly converted to put New Zealand back in front. This moment seemed to break Ireland’s spirit, and from there, their game fell apart. Missed tackles and a lack of pace allowed the All Blacks to take complete control of the match.
| Team | First Half | Second Half | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| New Zealand | 9 | 14 | 23 |
The Final Whistle on a Disappointing Night
The victory was sealed in the 70th minute when winger Will Jordan crossed for a try, putting the game beyond Ireland’s reach. The score was a perfect example of New Zealand’s ability to punish mistakes, as they capitalized on another Irish error to secure the win.
As the game entered its final stages, the difference in squad depth became obvious. Ireland’s bench failed to make a significant impact, with some substitutes struggling to get up to the pace of the game. In contrast, New Zealand’s replacements added energy and stability. The key problems for Ireland on the night were clear:
- Inconsistent set-pieces, particularly the lineout.
- Frequent handling errors in the wet conditions.
- An inability to control possession and breakdown work.
- A lack of impact from the substitute players.
The All Blacks showed just how clinical and well-resourced they are at this level, providing a stark contrast to the home side’s struggles. For Ireland, it was a frustrating end to an incredible home record.
What This Result Means for Both Teams
This defeat forces Ireland and head coach Andy Farrell to reflect on what went wrong. With the Six Nations on the horizon, they have much to work on, from their set-piece execution to their performance under pressure. The forwards, in particular, were outplayed and will need to regroup.
For New Zealand, this victory is a massive morale boost. After some recent inconsistent performances, this win against a top-tier nation on their home turf sets a powerful tone for the remainder of their European tour. The All Blacks proved they are still a dominant force in world rugby.
