On a rain-soaked night at Aviva Stadium, New Zealand handed Ireland a resounding 23-13 defeat, snapping the hosts’ 19-game unbeaten streak at home. For Ireland, it was a hard blow that raised more questions than answers as the All Blacks executed their game plan with precision, putting them in control long before the final whistle.
The stakes were high for both teams in this Autumn Nations Series clash. Ireland had been in imperious form, having not lost on home turf since February 2021. But despite early optimism and a charged atmosphere in Dublin, it was New Zealand who looked the sharper side. By the time Will Jordan crossed the line for a try with 10 minutes to spare, Ireland’s hopes of pulling off a late comeback had fizzled out.
A Test of Nerves and Execution
The game started under a murky sky, with Ireland hoping to extend their incredible home run. However, as the rain began to pour, the ball grew slippery, and handling errors became a theme. Ireland struggled from the outset to deal with the basics—accurate passing, solid set-pieces, and possession retention—while New Zealand seemed to thrive in the conditions.
For Ireland, the first half was a series of missed opportunities. Jack Crowley’s penalties kept them in touch, narrowing the scoreline to 9-6 after New Zealand had gone ahead with a brace of Damian McKenzie kicks. But it was clear the home side had lost their rhythm. As the first half wore on, Ireland’s lineout malfunctioned like a phone with no signal, and their passes, more often than not, lacked accuracy.
The only bright moment for the Irish came right at the end of the first half when Josh van der Flier crossed the line to score. However, the try came during a period when New Zealand was down to 14 men, with Jordie Barrett in the sin bin for a high shot. Even that moment of success felt more like a brief spark in what was otherwise a gloomy display.
New Zealand Seizes Control
The second half offered little respite for Ireland. Despite some early hope after van der Flier’s try, New Zealand soon began to reassert dominance. With the score tied at 13-13 midway through the second period, McKenzie’s successful penalty at 65 minutes pushed the All Blacks back into the lead. The home side had no response, with the All Blacks calmly weathering any attempted pressure.
One of the turning points came during a scrum decision that went against Ireland’s Finlay Bealham. From that, McKenzie regained the lead for New Zealand, and from there, Ireland’s game fell apart. Handling errors, missed tackles, and a lack of pace meant they were never truly in contention.
By the time Will Jordan sealed the win with a try in the 70th minute, the result felt inevitable. Ireland was left chasing shadows, unable to find any rhythm or a way to break through New Zealand’s defense.
The Battle of Bench Strengths
As the game entered its final stages, the disparity between the teams became even more apparent. Ireland’s bench failed to make a meaningful impact, and the loss of Tom O’Toole, who had just come on as a substitute, only added to the home side’s growing frustrations. The lack of depth in certain key positions, especially prop forward, was evident. In contrast, New Zealand’s substitutes—sharpened by a strong squad rotation—added energy and stability when needed.
Despite a valiant effort, Ireland’s set-piece problems, inconsistent breakdown work, and an inability to control possession meant they were constantly under pressure. The All Blacks, meanwhile, executed their game with sharpness, staying composed even when things were tight. They showed just how clinical and well-resourced they are at this level, in stark contrast to the floundering home side.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
This defeat reshapes the landscape of the Autumn Nations Series. Ireland, having hoped to use the series as a stepping stone toward the Six Nations, now face the unenviable task of reflecting on what went wrong. From handling errors to poor bench impact and inconsistent set-pieces, they have plenty to address. Head coach Andy Farrell will need to rally his players, particularly the forwards, who were out-muscled in every aspect of the game.
For New Zealand, however, the victory is a massive morale boost. Having been under pressure after their own recent struggles, this win sets the tone for the remainder of their European tour. The All Blacks proved they are capable of playing with precision and power, and it will be exciting to see how they build on this performance heading into their next fixtures.
