Error-strewn Ireland misfire in face of clinical All Blacks

It seems reports of the All Blacks’ demise have been greatly exaggerated. A middling Rugby Championship campaign had made for an uncertain start to Scott Robertson’s tenure as New Zealand head coach, while England had also twice pushed his side close on home soil in July.
Yet on the night when Robertson made an emotional reunion with the Northern Irish family he had lived with as an 18-year-old during a year-long rugby exchange, his side finally landed a statement victory that will surely serve as a launchpad to for a new era for the All Blacks.
This contest failed to reach the peaks of the intensity and breathtaking skill levels of their last meeting in the World Cup quarter-final in Paris last year. New Zealand held on for dear life in that absorbing showdown but here it proved ultimately to be a much more straightforward victory, with Ireland’s bid to avenge that World Cup defeat limping to low-key finish.
💪 How about that! Prolific🙌 Will Jordan crosses over in the corner as the @AllBlacks stretch their lead in Dublin!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/Cf4slrv3xz
Ireland were for long periods masters of their own destruction, with a surprisingly error-ridden display that brought to an end their run of 19 victories at the Aviva Stadium that stretched back to the defeat by France in the 2021 Six Nations.
And yet Robertson’s side have now backed up their victory over England at Twickenham with a comfortable 10-point victory over Andy Farrell’s side, whose last match in July saw them defeat world champions South Africa in Durban and had gone into the match in top spot in World Rugby’s rankings.
While Ireland will look to rue a remarkably high number of errors, poor discipline, and wayward kicking strategy, New Zealand were far superior in their execution, and had both the wherewithal to withstand two sustained periods of pressure at the start of each half by Ireland, successfully limit the damage of losing Jordie Barrett to the sin bin, dominate possession and critically disrupt Ireland’s line-out.
It is true that the number of unforced errors was remarkably high by Ireland, but many of them were a reflection of the suffocating pressure that was applied by New Zealand. And Robertson has unearthed a new superstar in Wallace Sititi, who built on his impressive display against England with more purposeful and dogged showing that made him a nuisance at the breakdown and thorn in Ireland’s defensive line.
Damian McKenzie delivered an impressive display at fly-half in Beauden Barrett’s absence, kicking six penalties that took the game beyond Ireland’s grasp before Will Jordan’s late try broke any hopes of further Irish resistance.
“It’s easily summed up with the mood of the dressing room, it’s sombre,” admitted Farrell afterwards. “The lads are gutted, we’re all gutted together. I thought we prepped well, trained well, the boys were excited about the game. But we didn’t manage to put our game out on the field. The opposition have a big say in that but we made too many errors, suppressed ourselves and the accuracy wasn’t there to win a Test match like that.”
This was the first time Ireland have played since their victory South Africa, but even that cause for rustiness could not explain their error rate. There were some stand-out displays, from Jamison Gibson-Park, Joe McCarthy and Caelan Doris, but one suspects the squad will be busy next week.
Ireland had managed strong starts to both halves, with Josh van der Flier crossing for a try at the start of the second-half while Jordie Barrett was in the sin bin for a dangerous tackle, while Jack Crowley landed two first-half penalties. But having established a 13-9 lead, Ireland appeared to fall in on themselves just as it looked as if they would push on for another famous victory. New Zealand were only too happy to take charge.
🤩 Try time!🤌 @IrishRugby get over the line through Josh van der Flier!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/AWqx6svPbV
And there was an inevitability about Ireland’s collapse. McKenzie landed a sixth penalty as Iain Henderson was penalised at a breakdown and then Jordan went over for his 37th try in 39 Tests, after Mark Tele’a had gone close. 
Ireland had looked to set the tone by their response to the haka, led by Rieko Ioane, Johnny Sexton’s bête noire, with Peter O’Mahony leading the march towards their opponents at its climax, much to the delight of the crowd. It made for a raucous opening but in truth Ireland were simply too inaccurate to make use of the attacking platforms they managed to establish.
It took until the final minute of the first-half to finally got their attacking play going, with Bundee Aki punching up the middle, finding Garry Ringrose in support. The Ireland centre was caught high by a tackle by Jordie Barrett and after a review he was sent to the sin bin under review and Crowley landed his second penalty.
It was critical for Ireland to exploit their numerical advantage and they could not have hoped for a more explosive start to the second half.
Crowley kicked a penalty to the corner and although lost possession from subsequent maul, Sam Cane caught by Aki and James Lowe can forced to ground behind his goal line. From the scrum Ireland finally found their attacking shape and a series of powerful drives including a superb carry by Doris, Van der Flier surged over for the game’s opening try.
But that would be as good as it got for Ireland, and even when Farrell turned to his bench, the raft of errors continued, with Ciaran Frawley, the drop-goal hero of Durban, enduring a wretched cameo.
There was a late flourish from Ireland, but it was all too little, too late.
Scoring sequence: 3-0 Crowley pen, 3-3 McKenzie pen, 3-6 McKenzie pen, 3-9 McKenzie pen, 6-9 Crowley pen, 11-9 Van der Flier try, 13-9 Crowley con, 13-12 McKenzie pen, 13-15 McKenzie pen, 13-18 McKenzie pen, 13-23 Jordan tryHT: 6-9
Ireland: H Keenan; M Hansen, G Ringrose (J Osborne 71), B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley (C Frawley 58), J Gibson-Park (C Murray 74); A Porter (C Healy 74), R Kelleher (R Herring 58), F Bealham (T O’Toole 58); J McCarthy (I Henderson 58), J Ryan (P O’Mahony 70); T Beirne, J van der Flier, C DorisNew Zealand: W Jordan; M Tele’a, R Ioane, J Barrett, C Clarke (A Lienert-Brown 71); D McKenzie, C Ratima (C Roigard 51); T Williams (O Tu’ungafasi 60), A Aumua (G Bell 79), T Lomax (P Tosi 60), S Barrett, T Vaa’i (P Tuipulotu 58), W Sititi, S Cane (S Finau 73), A Savea.Yellow card: J Barrett 39Replacements: S PerofetaReferee: N Berry (Australia)
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Tomorrow, it starts all over again, and Telegraph Sport will bring you full autumn coverage.
It was intense out there. It felt like we were reactive throughout and our discipline wasn’t where it needed to be. We got momentum at the start of the second half but they put us under pressure again. They were quality but we weren’t good enough.
We didn’t fire enough shots. We let them hold onto ther ball and let them attack. I’m not sure exactly what the answers are right now.
The message at half-time was that we felt like we hadn’t fired too many shots, that there was another level in us energy-wise.
We’ll be better because of it. We weren’t good enough tonight.
It’s a hell of a storyline. The rivalry. Two islands going at it. We’ve split the last 10 times. We didn’t even realise the record until later in the week. You don’t lose here.
We had two days to prepare, it was low key – it helped us.
All the work we’ve been doing; it’s really pleasing. That’s the fewest penalties we’ve conceded all year. That’s the one big area… you have to own it and we did.
Damian is so mercurial. Sometimes he doesn’t quite get it right but when does… he got enough right tonight! It was special, and I’m pleased with how he controlled the game.
Overall, our kicking game was a lot better. We still have two to win; 40 days away, 17 to go.
We always knew that the courage was in the group. We executed more tonight. Pleased for everyone; the whole staff.
Who said they’d lost their aura?
Not me!
Last time Ireland outscored in both halves at home – vs England 6N 2019. Before that vs NZ, Nov 2016
That was extremely tough. The Irish are a great side. We knew coming here it would be a tough match, down to the wire. The forward pack really muscled up and we built pressure through our kicking game. Never easy at the Aviva so we’re very happy.
Test matches like that are won in small moments and we capitalised on a few. We managed to kick some penalties. We’re over the moon.
It was a little wet under foot. We had to be smart. My mindset was making the forwards’ job as easy as possible and controlling it. We did that in periods. I’m really proud of the performance. We needed it. Tonight was a great night to do it. I was able to work on a great platform set by the forwards. It makes my job easier.
I certainly did not. Ireland looked sloppy and disjointed and, in the end, it was fairly comfortable for New Zealand.
McKenzie boots the ball out and Ireland lose for the first time at home in three-and-a-half years.
🤩 After an incredible Test match, the @AllBlacks win in Dublin!👏 Scott Robertson’s side were extremely happy with the win!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/e48oBSeslb
It’s really sloppy from Ireland, with Frawley and Hansen passes hitting the deck.
Even though the hosts need two scores, under pressure, Osborne decides to put boot to ball, into the New Zealand 22.
J Barrett clears to the All Blacks’ 10-metre line and there is just a minute to play. 
And New Zealand pinch the line-out, too.
Hansen puts New Zealand back under pressure with a kick into touch inside the New Zealand 22 but they need the ball!
The All Blacks find S Barrett at the tail and McKenzie clears but cannot find touch. Lowe bounces off McKenzie as Ireland counter, Frawley chips over but Hansen cannot collect and that might not be the ball game.
New Zealand will put in inside their own half and there are just three minutes remaining.
Ireland chuck the kitchen sink at it, through the phases inside the New Zealand 22, but Savea wins the holding-on penalty and that feels like the game.
Although, it’s a very conservative clearance from the All Blacks. They throw in just outside their own 22 and the pressure is still on.
Out of nowhere, Lowe has just hit the most spectacular 50:22 down the tramlines, banana-ing into touch inside the New Zealand 22.
This is a seminal moment of the game. Ireland still have a mountain to climb but now there seems to be belief, from a moment of magic.
🍌 James Lowe take a bow!The @IrishRugby winger sneaks a banana kick into the All Blacks 22 and gets the crowd roaring! 🕺#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/AJ6oLpnw0X
💪 How about that! Prolific🙌 Will Jordan crosses over in the corner as the @AllBlacks stretch their lead in Dublin!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/Cf4slrv3xz
Frawley has just dropped a dolly of a high ball and the wheels are coming off a little bit for Ireland here.
New Zealand have all the momentum, the field position and the ball with less than 10 minutes to play.
It was a real tough one for McKenzie but it’s not close.
Still, New Zealand have a 10-point lead to defend.
New Zealand are rocking here! A fabulous score.
J Barrett makes the initial bust before McKenzie, Savea and Tele’a combine beautifully in the Irish 22.
Eventually, having worked the ball to the very right edge, the All Blacks come back to the left and Aumua puts Jordan in unopposed.
A mountain to climb for Ireland now.
Ireland just haven’t been able to string enough phases together to get the crowd fully into this. Groans when Iain Henderson spilled that Frawley pass just now. Booing the ref etc. Credit to New Zealand for that.
Another great strike from McKenzie and the All Blacks have a five-point lead to defend.
Can Ireland turn the tide?
Henderson is over eager at the ruck, there’s no clear release, and it’s another New Zealand penalty.
It’s kickable and New Zealand could establish a buffer here.
A sweet strike and New Zealand take the lead.
Penalty New Zealand at the scrum! Tu’ungafasi stays square and Bealham is on the angle and McKenzie will have a shot at goal.
Gibson-Park attempts a cute box-kick for Hansen to chase and Jordan takes it superbly. The All Blacks attempt a counter but the chip of their own does not come off. Ireland look to attack but O’Toole, only just on, is down receiving treatment – and the game is stopped.
Ireland will restart with a scrum just inside their own half.
McKenzie hits the post!
Ireland clear, Tele’a returns it with interest but, the wing knocks on. Ireland will put in. 
McKenzie puts the bomb up and Keenan is wise to it.
After some kicking tennis, New Zealand win the penalty!
McKenzie points to the sticks as Ireland look to ring the changes, with Aled Walters, formerly of England, running the sideline operation.
It remains scrappy and edgy. All Blacks spill on halfway on the counter and then Crowley does the same after two phases.
New Zealand to put in just inside their own half and, incidentally, J Barrett is back.
🤩 Try time!🤌 @IrishRugby get over the line through Josh van der Flier!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/AWqx6svPbV
A thumping strike from just inside the Irish half, under pressure after the ball was dislodged from the tee. Sumptuous.
Ireland have started this half like men possessed, marauding Jordan and winning a turnover. There’s a neck-roll, however, and when the ball gets back into the Irish half, Aumua wins a holding-on penalty.
McKernie with a long-range shot, and the ball has fallen off the tee with 18 seconds left on the clock.
It sneaks over and Ireland’s lead stretches to four.
The hosts take the lead as Van der Flier powers over from close range. Nothing that Williams or Sititi can do. A perfect start to the half. 
New Zealand with 14 men, remember, and Ireland are getting close. Doris charges, Ringrose has a go. They’re building…
A third escort penalty… from the restart! Vaa’i is penalised for blocking Lowe on the chase.
Ireland go to the corner. They lose possession but Cane is forced to tidy up possession behind his own goal-line and he’s bundled to the ground by three Irish defenders.
We will restart with an Irish scrum, five metres out.
The second half is about to get under way.
First half never quite caught fire. It threatened to a few times. The Ioane-led haka got things simmering. As did Ireland’s response. The handbags between Joe McCarthy and Scott Barrett, Paul Mescal watching on. Are you not entertained? Well, yes. It’s been absorbing. But we’ve not really hit fourth gear yet. Too many handling errors, too stop-start. Crowd can’t get fully into it. Let’s hope for a few tries in the second half. 
🟨 Overturned to a yellow!📺 After a review from the TMO, Jordie Barrett is put into the sin bin for a high shot!#IREvNZL | #AutumnNationSeries pic.twitter.com/77M295LP64
Seventeen handling errors and 10 turnovers in that half tells its own story. But New Zealand have beaten 14 defenders; Ireland three.
The live win probablility is currently 47 per cent apiece. 
It has been cagey, tense and full of emotion, but just a touch short of quality. A bit of inaccuracy from both sides means that we have seen five penalties and that’s it. 
New Zealand have come closest to scoring but, even then, I would not necessarily describe it as “close”.
Still, at least it remains tight; calling a winner impossible at this stage, but keep an eye on that superior All Blacks scrum.
Another simple shot for Crowley and the half-time deficit will just be three points.
Yep, Barrett is gone to the bunker for a review.
It might be upgraded but I hope it isn’t because it looked like it might have just been shoulder first.
Ireland return with a vengeance and win a kickable penalty.
But we’re going upstairs to have a look at a J Barrett tackle.
He’s going to the bin here – was it definitely not shoulder first?
No trouble for McKenzie and the lead is six.
New Zealand attack well, reaching the Irish 22, but Ryan is penalised for not rolling away and McKenzie will have a chance to stretch the lead.
All a bit cagey so far.
Sloppy from Ireland as they lose control of the ball at the ruck – hang on, there’s a New Zealand arm involved – and the All Blacks set off on the counter.
Clarke clears up field and Ireland throw in on halfway… but it’s pinched again!
Ireland launch the attack off a midfield scrum and New Zealand are forced to scramble.
Cane if penalised for an off-feet jackal and Ireland kick it into the corner…
Routine for McKenzie and the All Blacks take a narrow lead.
Free-kick to New Zealand! The All Blacks are getting on top at scrum time.
The visitors’ attack doesn’t come to much but Berry has spotted a no-arms tackle and New Zealand will take the three points.
Crowd absolutely loved Rieko Ioane getting smashed by Garry Ringrose there. Biggest roar of the evening so far. Ioane a proper panto villain tonight. 
Heartbreak for New Zealand and a reprieve for Ireland as Aumua’s throw is squint.
The hosts will put in inside the Irish 22.
Sititi with the holding-on penalty!
Supreme work from one of the best players on the planet currently.
The All Blacks aren’t hanging round here and off they go on the attack in the Irish half.
Gibson-Park is caught offside and New Zealand go back to the corner…
Ireland go down at the scrum under pressure but Berry tells New Zealand to play it. McKenzie thinks he’s got on the outside but Gibson-Park cuts him down superbly. Van der Flier wins the ball on the floor and Ireland clear.
After winning a penalty, they will attack inside the New Zealand 22 from the lineout.
The All Blacks hit Ioane off the top but he is hammered by Ringrose in the tackle. A great hit.
But New Zealand recycle well and there’s danger as Jordan puts Tele’a in a pocket of space down the right but his offload ends up with Lowe and Ireland clear.
The All Blacks come back, though, and there’s a tiny Irish knock-on so the visitors will put in inside the hosts’ half.
Vaa’i pinches the Irish line-out and it’s New Zealand’s turn to put the ball in the air.
And another escort penalty! Bealham is penalised for changing his line and blocking the New Zealand chasers.
McKenzie puts the ball up to the Irish 22 and New Zealand will throw in.
Free-kick to Ireland with New Zealand lacking control on the engagement.
Crowley puts the bomb up into the Irish 22 but Jordan defuses it superbly and clears.
Tempers fraying here! There’s a breakdown in the Irish midfield but New Zealand can’t do much with their post-scrum possession, as Ratima spills under pressure from Ringrose at the ruck. No surprise that McCarthy is involved in the handbags.
Ireland will put in just inside the All Blacks’ half.
We have a level playing field.
Ireland compete ferociously at the breakdown but Ratima sniffs an opening alongside the ruck.
The scrum-half darts, Lowe jackals and the ball squirts loose, but there’s a penalty to New Zealand for not rolling away and McKenzie will have a straightforward shot at goal to level the scores.
An early sighter for Crowley and Ireland have the lead.
Penalty to Ireland as J Barrett blocks Hansen as the wing chases an up-and-under.
Looks harsh but Ireland point to the sticks and Crowley has a chance to give the hosts the lead.
Solid first scrum, Aki on the crash before Ireland work the blinside through Doris, Hansen and Bealham.
But Aki’s pass asks too much of Ryan in the New Zealand 22 and we will restart with an All Blacks’ scrum.
It’s a superb clearance from McKenzie, up to halfway, under pressure from Van der Flier.
Superb from Porter!
Ireland clear up to halfway and the ball is slow for New Zealand. Ratima gets caught at the base and his box-kick is charged down by Porter. Jordan can’t control the loose ball and Ireland will put into a first scrum just outside the All Blacks’ 22, wide on the right.
Here we go.
Oh and Ireland are approaching the halfway line now. Some more haka drama.
Too late to sub Peter O’Mahony into start.. He wasn’t far off going full Willie Anderson there
… is being led by Rieko Ioane after all.
There’s your added salt and spice.
Well, the brass band on the pitch at the Aviva played the New Zealand anthem, which is more than can be said of Twickenham last weekend, although was it cut in half?
Now we have both of Ireland’s anthems – with the infinitely superior Amhrán na bhFiann prefacing the line-and-length Ireland’s Call – and then we’ll have the haka.
At some point we’ll hopefully get some rugby – I’m supposed to be at Twickenham tomorrow.
I might have got ahead of myself here. We’ve got I Vow To Thee My Country soundtracking Ireland president, Michael D Higgins, meeting the players of both sides.
THEN we will have the anthems and haka.
… is playing in the Aviva.
And that can only mean one thing: the teams are on the way out.
We will have the anthems and the haka next, with kick-off in Dublin at 8.10pm.
A reminder that tonight’s referee is Nic Berry of Australia.
Still relatively quiet in the Aviva Stadium as the two squads go through their warm-ups. Still busier in the bars than the stands. They’re not going to want to miss the haka though. Atmosphere should be electric. Think there’s a ‘lights show’ planned or something. This game doesn’t need it.
Given it’s an evening fixture, under the floodlights, and given how the referees are cracking down on ‘escort’ lines on kick-chases – read more here – the added drizzle means this could be a little cagier than expected.
Expect plenty of kicking! Hopefully we see some rugby, too. 
It’s good to play some footy on a great deck. There’s been some drizzle but when you play the world No 1 with history, there’s always build-up.
We’ve had a couple of days where we’ve got excited about a hell of a match. Now it’s time to execute. We need to finish more opportunities, we kicked a bit of ball away when we should have held it [against England] – and a bit of discipline.
The storyline has changed between us two over the past 10 years. Irish rugby is as strong as it’s ever been. You’re not sure which way it will go but it’s great for the sport and for footy.
This week, Charlie Morgan wrote about how Ireland v New Zealand has turned into a proper rugby rivalry.
After an historic duck-breaking win for the Irish in 2016, the new-found competitiveness between the two sides gives added bite to this evening. And the Sexton-Ioane spat is just the tip of the iceberg.
You can read more by clicking here.
 
There has been quite a lot* written and opined about the haka over the past 10 days.
Tonight we have the next iteration of the spectacle. Will we, as we saw with England last Saturday, see an Irish response?
For added spice, the rumour is that Rieko Ioane will lead the haka for New Zealand.
 
*understatement of the century
I’m going Ireland by three but as I said for my prediction of New Zealand’s tussle with England last week – I went for an All Blacks victory, incidentally – I have little faith.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If there’s no excitement in the changing rooms then we’re in the wrong place. It’s the place to be tonight, isn’t it, at the Aviva, Friday night, starting our autumn, with the All Blacks in town.
You want to play against the best all the time as that’s how you judge yourself. Every time you come up against the All Blacks there’s an extra sense of excitement in the air.
They’ll be pretty similar to the World Cup. Razor has said they want to be true to their DNA – as do we. It will be an open game but the basics have to be right and you have to take your chances to keep the scoreboard ticking.
I’m thankful to have this opportunity to play in front of our fans all the time. We owe them as they support us, in their thousands, all over the world.
Why Caelan Doris is a frontrunner for the Lions captaincy.
The Irishman has enjoyed a rapid rise but his leadership skills are no surprise to those who have followed his career from early days, as Gavin Mairs writes.
You can read more by clicking here.
“and awaaaaaayyyyy goes Doris!” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YRvN4N0Yyl
Dead quiet [on the bus], everyone listening to their music, chilling out. Everyone is very relaxed and excited. An unbelievable buzz driving in, with everyone cheering us in.
I use pumped-up [tunes] in the hour before the game but then on the bus it’s church-type music.
Absolutely [we want to feed of the crowd]. It’s days like this that we play the game. It should be a good day.
We’re here because we want to win. That’s the expectation of this team. New Zealand are a great side and we want to get the win.
Ireland starting XV: H Keenan; M Hansen, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, R Kelleher, F Bealham, J McCarthy, J Ryan, T Beirne, J van der Flier, C Doris (c).Replacements: R Herring, C Healy, T O’Toole, I Henderson, P O’Mahony, C Murray, C Frawley, J Osborne.
New Zealand starting XV: W Jordan; M Tele’a, R Ioane, J Barrett, C Clarke; D McKenzie, C Ratima; T Williams, A Aumua, T Lomax, S Barrett (c), T Vaa’i, W Sititi, S Cane, A Savea. Replacements: G Bell, O Tu’ungafasi, P Tosi, P Tuipulotu, S Finau, C Roigard, A Lienert-Brown, S Perofeta.
Referee: Nic Berry
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of this evening’s autumn international between Ireland and New Zealand at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Thank you for joining us for what is likely to be one of November’s most hotly anticipated matches. A repeat of last year’s World Cup quarter-final, where the All Blacks overcame the odds to dump Andy Farrell’s highly fancied side out of the tournament at the last-eight stage once again.
Tonight marks the first meeting of the two sides since that thrilling night in Paris. There has been no shortage of drama since, either, with Jonny Sexton aiming some choice words at New Zealand outside centre, Rieko Ioane, in his recently released autobiography, in response to the All Black’s behaviour that evening.
Hopefully, tonight, the rugby does the talking, as two of the world’s four best sides go at it in an expectant Irish capital. New Zealand have only lost three of their last 14 away fixtures – including a conquering of England last Saturday at Twickenham – while Ireland have won 25 of 26 home games under head coach Andy Farrell, including their last 19 in a row. The Kiwis arrive in Dublin on the back of a shorter, six-day turnaround, too.
When asked this week whether there would be added spice tonight, Farrell was punchy.
“Hopefully – that’s what everyone wants, isn’t it?” he said. “They want it as well. That’s what normally happens when the All Blacks come into town anyway. I haven’t seen it any different to that so I think Irish rugby’s in a good place. I think everyone knows New Zealand are always the team to beat so I expect it to be as good as ever, if not better.
“I suppose New Zealand over the years have had it in a sense where they probably thought they should win against Ireland, but hopefully the way that we’ve performed, or improved since Soldier Field [where Ireland were victorious in 2016], hopefully the respect is a little bit higher from their side for us now.”
The confirmed teams will be next!