Tommy Bowe in action for Ireland against New Zealand. Picture from rugbypicture.co.uk
Ireland’s Autumn International series continued yesterday, when they hosted current Tri-Nations champions New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium. It was a fierce battle between the two sides, yet despite a spirited and much improved performance from Ireland, New Zealand continued their winning run to seal a convincing 38 – 18 victory.
The All Blacks have played against Ireland on 23 previous occasions, winning 22 and drawing on just one of those matches. It was therefore no surprise to find Declan Kidney had made 11 changes to his side after the team struggled to dominate their fixture against Samoa the previous weekend.
New Zealand enjoyed early possession and territory as the match got underway and when Ireland’s Cian Healy was penalised seven minutes into the game, Dan Carter opted to put the first points on the board. His kick was on target, giving his side an early lead. Ireland 0 – New Zealand 3.
Four minutes later, Jonathan Sexton repeated Carter’s attempt, with a superb long-distance penalty to equal the scores. Ireland 3 – New Zealand 3.
As both sides continued to trade penalties, Carter stepped up once again on 16 minutes when Tommy Bowe was penalised for not rolling away after the tackle. His kick was accurate, edging the All Blacks in front. Ireland 3 – New Zealand 6.
A fantastic kick from Brian O’Driscoll 25 minutes into the game allowed the Ireland team to settle deep into the oppositions half and as New Zealand took it quickly, Ireland piled on the pressure. Prop Tony Woodcock was penalised for being offside at the ruck and Sexton took the opportunity to level the scores once again. His second long-range penalty was struck just as well as the first as it slotted in between the posts. Ireland 6 – New Zealand 6.
Three minutes later however, Carter edged the All Blacks in front again as he kicked over his third successful penalty attempt. Ireland 6 – New Zealand 9.
Despite New Zealand having a narrow lead at the 30 minute mark, Ireland’s defence held strong and as they managed to keep the opposition at bay, Ireland regained possession. A perfectly timed offload from Jamie Heaslip, allowed Ulster’s Stephen Ferris to break through the New Zealand defence and score the first try of the match. It was successfully converted by Sexton, giving Ireland a slightly bigger lead over their opponents. Ireland 13 – New Zealand 9.
An Ireland infringement five minutes later, allowed Carter to lessen the points’ gap and he continued his 100 per cent kicking rate. Ireland 13 – New Zealand 12.
On the stroke of half time, Ireland jumped on a loose ball, but New Zealand’s Anthony Boric gathered it first and slipped through a gap in Ireland’s defence to touch down for his first try of the game. As Carter converted the try, the All Blacks went into the interval leading the scoreboard. Ireland 13 – New Zealand 19.
Half-time score: Ireland 13 – New Zealand 19
As the second half started, New Zealand started the half as the stronger side again when they upped the pace of the game after five minutes to have their number eight, Kieran Read, storm through Ireland’s defence to score a try, with Carter adding the conversion. Ireland 13 – New Zealand 26.
New Zealand maintained their strength and pace and four minutes later, lock Sam Whitelock, grounded a try which Carter again, converted successfully, to give his side a decisive lead over the hosts. Ireland 13 – New Zealand 33.
With a clear 20 point margin dividing the teams, Ireland regained their focus and as Rob Kearney and Heaslip raced towards the All Blacks 22 and as Ireland’s captain picked up their pass he touched down to score Ireland’s second try. Unfortunately, Sexton’s kick bounced off the upright, leaving the try unconverted. Ireland 18 – New Zealand 33.
As the game continued, both teams showed periods of excellence as the fast pace created opportunities for them to threaten to add to the scoreboard.
The 74th minute saw Keith Earls dive over the oppositions’ try line, but as the referee went to the TMO, no try was awarded.
Ireland fought hard to contain the visitors from scoring again but in the same way the first half ended, so did the second as Kieran Read scored his second try. Yet Carter was unable to add the conversion and as the final whistle blew, New Zealand notched up another convincing win against the home side. Ireland 18 – New Zealand 38.
Full-time score: Ireland 18 – New Zealand 38
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