Player Ratings: New Zealand 42-19 Ireland

New Zealand delivered an outstanding performance to defeat Ireland 42-19 to go 1-0 in the three-test series.

No.8 Ardie Savea bagged a brace as New Zealand overcame a difficult week of preparations to swat aside Ireland.

Johnny Sexton last just half an hour after he failed an HIA assessment as Ireland's injury concerns build.

The host's build-up had been ransacked by a COVID-19 outbreak, requiring ex-Ireland boss Joe Schmidt to step into their coaching ranks.

It looked like Ireland were heading to a historic victory as they went ahead through Keith Earls' try but a barnstorming run by debutant Leicester Fainga’anuku helped get Jordie Barrett over the line in response.

That try kick-started New Zealand's dominance as Sevu Reece, Quinn Tupaea and Ardie Savea scored to give them a 28-5 advantage at the break

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose responded after the interval to give Ireland hope, but Savea sealed the game with a stunning solo try before debutant Pita Gus Sowakula crossed on his test debut. 

Bundee Aki grabbed a late consolation after Ireland failed to score on two occasions late on with Josh van der Flier spilling the ball over the line and Hugo Keenan stopped just short. Rieko Ioane making the telling contribution on both occasions. 

HIGHLIGHTS

COACHES REACTION

“I thought the work of Sam [Cane] and our leaders this week was phenomenal. They took on a big load, and [assistant coach] and Brad [Mooar] did an awesome job on the ground. It was a very unique week, and to be involved in coaching an All Blacks team from Zoom at home and still be married at the end of the week, I’m pretty satisfied.” - ALL BLACKS' COACH IAN FOSTER

“Whilst we were ruthless with where we scored points, we were put under a lot of pressure, and particularly defensively I would have just given us just a pass mark. I thought our goal-line stuff was excellent, but we allowed them too many opportunities to get in behind us.” - ALL BLACKS' COACH IAN FOSTER

 

“I thought we brought them down pretty well from time to time. I think we deserve a bit of a pat on the back for that, for getting at least five opportunities to score. We'll obviously have a look at reasons why we actually didn't convert.

“There were a few held up, weren't there? A few that were deemed short or whatever, and a knock on or a fumble – the grounding wasn't right with Joey [Carbery’s attempt shortly after halftime] apparently, but I've seen them given before.

“I thought we created quite a bit actually, but like I said before the game, you've got to score points against the All Blacks, there's no doubt about that.” - IREAND COACH ANDY FARRELL

STAT LEADERS:

TACKLES: 

20 - Scott Barrett, Josh van der Flier

17 - Sam Whitelock, Ardie Savea

15 - Brodie Retallick

14 - Andrew Porter

13 - Samisoni Taukei'aho

TURNOVERS WON

2 - Brodie Retallick

CARRIES

14 - Dan Sheehan

11 - James Lowe

9 - Ardie Savea

8 - Josh van der Flier, Sevu Reece

DEFENDERS BEATEN

4 - Ardie Savea, Sevu Reece

3 - Robbie Henshaw

2 - Garry Ringrose, Dan Sheehan, Peter O'Mahony, James Lowe, Beauden Barrett

RUNNING METRES

110 - Sevu Reece

61 - Ardie Savea

48 - James Lowe

47 - Beauden Barrett

45 - Garry Ringrose

NEW ZEALAND PLAYER RATINGS

1. George Bower - 7 

2. Codie Taylor -6

3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi - 7

4. Brodie Retallick - 7

5. Samuel Whitelock - 7.5

6. Scott Barrett - 8 

7. Sam Cane - 6

8. Ardie Savea - 8.5 

9. Aaron Smith - 8.5

10. Beauden Barrett - 7

11. Leicester Fainga'anuku - 7

12. Quinn Tupaea - 7.5

13. Rieko Ioane - 7 

14. Sevu Reece - 8

15. Jordie Barrett - 7 

RESERVES: 

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho - 7

17. Karl Tu'inukuafe - 6

18. Angus Ta'avao - 6

19. Pita Gus Sowakula - 7

20. Dalton Papalii - 6

21. Finlay Christie - 6

22. Richie Mo'unga - 6

23. Braydon Ennor - 4

1. Andrew Porter - 5

2. Dan Sheehan - 6

3. Tadhg Furlong - 5

4. Tadhg Beirne - 5

5. James Ryan - 5

6. Peter O'Mahony - 7

7. Josh van der Flier - 6

8. Caelan Doris - 5 

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 5

10. Johnny Sexton - 6
11. James Lowe - 5
12. Robbie Henshaw - 4
13. Garry Ringrose - 6

14. Keith Earls - 5 
15. Hugo Keenan - 5

RESERVES:
16. Dave Heffernan - n/a
17. Cian Healy - n/a

18. Tom O'Toole - 5

19. Kieran Treadwell - 4
20. Jack Conan - 6
21. Conor Murray - 5

22. Joey Carbery - 5
23. Bundee Aki - 6.5