New Zealand has struck a big blow. After their success in England last week, the All Blacks did it again in Dublin against Ireland. Led by a regal Damian McKenzie, Scott Robertson's men won 23-13 and seem ready a week before their trip to the Stade de France.
The shock did not keep all its promises. In what has become a classic at the top of world rugby in recent years, New Zealand ended Ireland's 19-match unbeaten run on home soil (13-23). The quality of play was poor at times, not helped by the rain in Dublin. Too undisciplined, the XV of Clover conceded many points, and was unable to avenge the elimination in the quarterfinals of the World Cup a year ago.
Away from the goalposts
The start of the match was sluggish, as evidenced by the first scrum which had to be replayed three times. And once the ball was out, the Irish lost it by a forward. They still obtained a penalty thanks to Barrett who protected his jumper, something prohibited by the new rules, and Crowley opened the scoring (3-0, 8th). McKenzie equalized behind, after a breakthrough from Ratima (3-3, 11th). This opened a good sequence for the All Blacks, but Jordan and Telea lacked space to play their 2 against 1 (19th), or McKenzie was served too slowly to make a difference (21st).
The XV du Trèfle was impressively solid in defense, despite conceding many penalties. McKenzie took the opportunity to widen a first gap (3-9, 30th, 39th). The only Irish entry into the opposing 22m, thanks to a penalty, was stopped after a pass, Aki losing the ball on the ground by being tackled by three opponents (34th). But Jordie Barrett's yellow card just before the break for a high tackle (40th), with a call to the bunker, could revive hopes in the second half. Especially after Crowley's three points (6-9).
McKenzie applies, Ireland without reply
The players from the Emerald Isle returned with force to the field, obtaining a penalty from the dismissal. The throw-in was lost, but Cane was pushed into his in-goal. Scrum at 5m, and after several percussions and playing time, Josh Van der Flier arrived launched to score the first try of the match (13-9, 46th). On fire, the Irish recovered a ball near the opposing 22, but were unable to exploit it. A strong moment quickly calmed down, before the start of penalty training for New Zealand fly-half Damian McKenzie. From 45m, despite a ball falling from the tee just before shooting (13-12, 49th). Similar positioning, but he found the post (59th).
Bealham was replaced by O'Toole in the 59th minute, who left on concussion protocol two minutes later. Back on the field, he conceded a penalty from scrum (13-15, 62nd). Return, New Zealand attack, penalty and three points (13-18, 64th). Completely silent and uninspired, the Irish team gradually gave up, facing the All Blacks who were not particularly brilliant. The latter killed the match after a breakthrough from Telea on his wing. Reversal of play and Will Jordan scored his 38th try in 39 selections without opposition (13-23, 69th). Despite a final burst of pride with a 50-22 from Lowe, the match was slowly coming to an end. A prestigious victory but without shining for New Zealand, and which probably must have motivated the Blues, before their reception at the Stade de France next Saturday.
