Ireland suffered a first defeat in Dublin in more than three years as an impressive New Zealand powered their way to a second consecutive Autumn Nations Series win.
Andy Farrell’s side were narrowly beaten by the All Blacks in a thrilling Paris quarter-final last October, ending their hopes of breaking their tournament hoodoo, but failed to channel any lingering hurt in a sloppy, scrappy performance. Josh van der Flier’s early second half try was their lone attacking bright spot as the hosts failed to find rhythm, perhaps dealing with some rust after several months away from international action and the departure of attack coach Mike Catt.
For New Zealand, meanwhile, this was another significant step forward after struggling to close out tight games during their Rugby Championship campaign. After beating England last week, this was a controlled and calm performance led by fly half Damian McKenzie, who eschewed his usual flicks and tricks to play an expert territorial game and strike six times from the tee on his way to 18 points. Will Jordan’s beautifully-taken try widened the final margin as the All Blacks knocked off a top-ranked Ireland side.
Re-live all of the action from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE
Ireland beaten by New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener
All Blacks inflict first defeat on hosts in Dublin since 2021
FULL TIME: Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
TRY! Ireland 13-23 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 69 minutes)
TRY! IRELAND 13-9 New Zealand (Josh van der Flier, 44 minutes)
HALF TIME: Ireland 6-9 New Zealand
KICK OFF!
Ireland made to pay for error-prone performance as All Blacks end run of Dublin dominance
22:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland suffered further disappointment at the hands of New Zealand as their 19-match winning streak in Dublin was ended by a 23-13 defeat.
Andy Farrell’s side were facing the formidable All Blacks for the first time since last year’s agonising 28-24 World Cup quarter-final loss in France.
A 37th international try from full-back Will Jordan helped deny the hosts a modicum of revenge, adding to six penalties from fly-half Damian McKenzie as the Kiwis again came out on top.
Ireland made to pay for error-strewn performance as All Blacks end Dublin dominance
And here’s Ireland captain Caelan Doris
22:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“It was intense,” the number eight says to TNT Sports. “It felt like we were quite reactive throughout and our discipline wasn’t where we needed it to be. They are a quality side and put us under pressure, and we weren’t good enough.
“Discipline was a big part of it. It felt like we didn’t fire enough shots. I’m not sure exactly what the answers are right now. At half time, we felt there was another level in us and the discipline would start to improve. We did early on, but we let them back into it again.
“We’ll be better because of it. We have three big games over the next few weeks and we’ve got to improve.”
(PA Archive)
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson speaks to TNT Sports
22:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“We’ll make sure we have a couple of Guinnesses,” Scott Robertson chuckles. “It’s a hell of a storyline with the way the rivalry that has been created, two islands going at it. It was a hell of a match.
“I thought we defended incredibly well. We slowed our feet down a bit so we weren’t getting penalised for tackles off the ball like we did against England. We’ve talked a lot about composure. It was really pleasing with all the work we’ve been doing.
“It’s so pleasing. It’ll be good to watch it back and debrief. These five weeks on the end-of-year tour can really galvanise you and make you tight, and you saw that tonight. Damian McKenzie is so mercurial, and sometimes he doesn’t quite get it right, but when he does, it’s special.”
FT: Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
22:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That was a performance of real maturity from Damian McKenzie, the kind that we probably haven’t seen often enough from him at Test level. Yes, Ireland were short of their best but the manner in which he took command of the contest was very impressive. With Beauden Barrett likely to be back available for France next Saturday, and Will Jordan flying at full-back, Scott Robertson has a decision to make.
Damian McKenzie speaks to TNT Sports after New Zealand’s win
22:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“It was extremely tough. The Irish are a great side. I’m really proud of the boys efforts, our forward pack really muscled up and we were able to build pressure through our kicking game.
“Test matches like that are won in small moments. We capitalised on a few of those, got some penalties and scored some points. We’re over the moon with that one. It was a little bit wet under foot so we had to be smart with our gameplan. My mindset was making our forwards’ job as easy as possible by putting the ball in front.
“I probably needed to put in a big performance. But I was able to work off a great platform. Our forwards made my life easy.”
(Niall Carson/PA Wire)
FT: Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
22:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
For the first time since the 2021 Six Nations, Ireland have been beaten at the Aviva Stadium. The hosts just never got going tonight, sloppy, slapdash and snatching at chances as the All Blacks secured a significant win in Dublin. It didn’t feel like New Zealand really had to hit any of their top gears, either, but that’s two from two for Scott Robertson’s side on this northern excursion as the rebuild continues to show serious promise.
FULL TIME! Ireland 13-23 New Zealand
22:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 80 minutes
22:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And they may well end the match with the ball, too. Rob Herring throws but the lone jumper in the lineout is Patrick Tuipulotu, who takes it in comfort.
Man of the match Damian McKenzie sends the ball to the stands and the match to a close.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 79 minutes
21:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cam Roigard wastes no time in putting boot to ball, turning Hugo Keenan with a spiralling kick that ends up seven metres from the Ireland line. Time running short for Ireland, and a pass hits the floor in their attacking passage to leave them hailing Mary.
Jamie Osborne has little option but to kick, and Jordie Barrett is there to cover. Victory will be New Zealand’s.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 77 minutes
21:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So nearly something special! A delicate dab from Ciaran Frawley but Mack Hansen can’t quite pouch it with a single extended paw!
Clever, cute, but not quite collected.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 76 minutes
21:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Superb strength from Josh van der Flier, holding off Jordie Barrett and getting an offload away. Mack Hansen’s kick would be excellent were Ireland shutting down the game, but it topples into touch to allow New Zealand the chance to drain a minute or so off the clock. Asafo Aumua, impressively still chugging along deep into the contest, hits Scott Barrett and the All Blacks clear effectively.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 74 minutes
21:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But Ardie Savea, as he so often does, comes up with a crucial turnover! Rob Herring rumbles in to Ofa Tu’ungafasi from a pod of three forwards, but Finlay Bealham’s desire to offer a carrying option leaves him unable to get to Savea in time to shift the number eight off the ball. Penalty to New Zealand as the hosts’ hopes fade.
Andy Farrell turns to two more of his experienced heads – Conor Murray and Cian Healy replace Jamison Gibson-Park and Andrew Porter.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 73 minutes
21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lowe carries up the guts on first phase and has the ball again in the third, Ireland knowing they need to strike quickly. Jamie Osborne is on in midfield and is set up by some neat flicking hands from Peter O’Mahony.
(Getty Images)
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 72 minutes
21:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What a kick! Is that the moment that sparks a comeback? It’s audacious from James Lowe, tight against the touchline as he releases a banana bomb that bends beautifully for him. Out into touch it scurries before Damian McKenzie can get anywhere near it – it’s a 50/22 and Ireland’s lineout.
Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, 71 minutes
21:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another knock on from Ciaran Frawley. Changes for both teams – Peter O’Mahony and all his experience is on in the back row for Ireland, while Anton Lienert-Brown has come into the New Zealand midfield with Rieko Ioane moved out to the wing.
TRY! Ireland 13-23 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 69 minutes)
21:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scintillating handling and the All Blacks are in! Ooh, New Zealand have kicked things up a gear to take control!
It’s on the right that the initial bust is made, passes flung across to exploit Ireland’s soft edges with only a quite magnificent cover tackle from Hugo Keenan preventing Mark Tele’a from scoring. But Ireland are short on the far side as the All Blacks play back across, an outstanding pick-up from Wallace Sititi ensuring the chance to exploit the overlap is not wasted and hooker Asafo Aumua throwing a pinpoint pass to put Will Jordan away.
(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Ireland 13-18 New Zealand, 68 minutes
21:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the momentum seems to be with New Zealand. Jordie Barrett takes a high kick and surges into space seemingly in one motion, with his teammates there to keep the flow going.
Ireland 13-18 New Zealand, 66 minutes
21:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is the sloppiest I can remember Ireland being for a while. Even their recent defeats have come against opposition playing very, very well, be it the All Blacks in Paris last October or England at Twickenham during the Six Nations. This feels different, and Ciaran Frawley underlines the point by knocking on soon after the restart.
PENALTY! Ireland 13-18 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 65 minutes)
21:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Damian McKenzie is straight and true again.
Ireland 13-15 New Zealand, 64 minutes
21:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An Irish pass tumbles to floor off cold hands and New Zealand can play from a scrum. Delightful handling from Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane allow Mark Tele’a a rare rumble, the wing skipping free of Garry Ringrose’s clutches before being dragged down by Ciaran Frawley.
Infield the All Blacks explore and Iain Henderson concedes Ireland’s 12th penalty, failing to release before contesting.
PENALTY! Ireland 13-15 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 62 minutes)
21:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Number five from the right boot of the smiling assassin McKenzie.
(Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 61 minutes
21:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Penalty to New Zealand! Ireland are driving forward but Finlay Bealham’s angle is deemed illegal by one of Nic Berry’s assistants, his legs spinning out as he bears in on Asafo Aumua. Damian McKenzie will kick for goal.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 60 minutes
21:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Oh dear. This is a worry for Ireland, already without Tadhg Furlong at tighthead – Tom O’Toole is unsteady on his feet after a clash of heads and that’ll be that for his evening. Finlay Bealham comes back on and though Andrew Porter and, in theory, Cian Healy can swap sides, you’d suspect he will have to go the distance.
New Zealand respond by making a double switch at prop: Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Pasilio Tosi were uber impressive last week and are on to deal more damage.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 59 minutes
21:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A first touch for Frawley as he loops out the back of the frontline runners in phase play, carrying up with passing options cut off. Ireland then try something funky, Jamison Gibson-Park with a chipped box kick for a lurking Mack Hansen to chase, but Will Jordan is superbly positioned and outstanding in the air, as he has been all night.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 57 minutes
21:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Off the post! No dice for D-Mac, his kick starting outside the right of the posts and curling back but not quite far enough.
Jamison Gibson-Park then makes a massive hit on the touchline, drawing a scrum. Here come the Ireland switches: Jack Crowley is off with Ciaran Frawley, hero in South Africa, on at fly half; Finlay Bealham is replaced by Tom O’Toole; and Iain Henderson steps in for Joe McCarthy, who had been carrying that knock from earlier in the half.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 56 minutes
21:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland were warned for their failure to vacate the ruck space in the first half, and are again picked up for it here, the ball slow for Cam Roigard and his imploring of referee Nic Berry for a decision eventually (and rightly) rewarded.
The hosts are readying some changes as Damian McKenzie calls on the tee.
(Getty Images)
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 54 minutes
21:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland have defended superbly since the interval, and force the All Blacks ten metres back across six phases with a combination of rapid line speed and strong tackling. To the air New Zealand go, with Hugo Keenan somehow getting to a shallow high hoist having sprinted from deep. Caleb Clarke looked favourite right up until the moment Keenan snared it.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 52 minutes
21:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not for the first time tonight, an unforced error from Ireland in phase play, Jack Crowley reaching with his fingertips blindly as he picks his next pass and unable to wrap his claws around it. Knock on, scrum New Zealand near halfway.
Ireland 13-12 New Zealand, 51 minutes
21:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jordie Barrett will soon be back amongst things, and he’s got a Hurricanes chum for company as he waits for re-entry. Here the pair come, Barrett returning from the sin bin and Cam Roigard replacing Cortez Ratima, who hasn’t had the easiest night at all.
Joe McCarthy receives a bit of treatement but will solider on for now.
PENALTY! Ireland 13-12 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 49 minutes)
21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Impressive kicking from Damian McKenzie, shooting his trademark grin at the uprights even after the ball falls off the tee. He composes himself and slots it from 50 metres on the angle to narrow the gap to a single point.
Ireland 13-9 New Zealand, 47 minutes
21:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland are all over New Zealand but their discipline is just keeping the All Blacks in the fight. Asafo Aumua gets over the top at the breakdown and Andrew Porter is penalised for his attempt to shift the hooker.
Ireland 13-9 New Zealand, 46 minutes
21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland threaten another as Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan play their way into danger, Andrew Porter making a brilliant tackle and allowing a teammate to pinch it. But a neck roll denies Ireland just as the line looms into sight.
TRY! IRELAND 13-9 New Zealand (Josh van der Flier, 44 minutes)
21:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Josh van der Flier batters his way through! Patient play from Ireland and eventually they get there!
Caelan Doris had made the initial burst away from the scrum, and the All Blacks had just been unable to challenge at the ruck in the movement. That means quick, clean ball for Jamison Gibson-Park, who feeds at the right time for Van der Flier on the move to take, tuck and thump into three All Blacks shirts with just enough force to get over the line. Jack Crowley converts.
(Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Ireland 6-9 New Zealand, 42 minutes
21:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland’s lineout is made a mess of by Tupou Vaa’i, preventing a transfer at the maul and eventually stealing the ball from Irish hands. But through swarm green shirts to engulf Sam Cane behind his own line, granting the hosts another opportunity from a five-metre scrum.
Ireland 6-9 New Zealand, 41 minutes
21:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland are immediately awarded a penalty as New Zealand fall foul of the escorting law crackdown for a second time. Ireland kick to the corner.
Jordie Barrett’s card will remain a yellow, as we suspected it would.
Second half…
21:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, the players are back out there, Jordie Barrett aside – he’s got his coat on as he serves his time on the naughty step. Underway again.
HT: Ireland 6-9 New Zealand
21:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A narrow half-time lead for the All Blacks, then, which is a pretty fair reflection of the action so far. A greasy night in Dublin and a fixture with all sorts of meaning behind it have perhaps conspired to create something of a sloppy contest, though the physicality has been there from both sides.
Can Ireland strike in the ten minutes after half time when they will enjoy a man advantage? Jordie Barrett and Garry Ringrose will be club colleagues come December – I’d suggest that tackle might get a mention when the Kiwi arrives at Leinster.
HALF TIME: Ireland 6-9 New Zealand
20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
(Getty Images)
PENALTY! IRELAND 6-9 New Zealand (Jack Crowley, 40 minutes)
20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the last action of the half is Jack Crowley’s successful conversion of the resultant penalty.
YELLOW CARD! Jordie Barrett is sent to the sin bin! Ireland 3-9 New Zealand, 40 minutes
20:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The officials conclude Jordie Barrett’s challenge meets the yellow card threshold – off to the sin bin he goes while the incident is reviewed. It looked like the initial contact might have been through the shoulder of Barrett’s future Leinster centre partner Garry Ringrose, and there was a significant change in height, so you would expect that to stay yellow.
Ireland 3-9 New Zealand, 39 minutes
20:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The All Blacks have had two-thirds of the possession in the last ten minutes. Ireland just haven’t been able to get into their attacking shape yet, too many errors preventing them from working into their flow.
A score before the half would be handy, and Bundee Aki’s colossal carry takes them to within range. New Zealand are penalised at a ruck – and there might a high tackle to check from Jordie Barrett, too…
PENALTY! Ireland 3-9 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 38 minutes)
20:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A third strike from Damian McKenzie’s right foot extends New Zealand’s advantage.
Ireland 3-6 New Zealand, 37 minutes
20:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The New Zealand forwards go to work, Wallace Sititi and Ardie Savea throwing boulder shoulders through would-be tacklers. Scott Barrett also lumbers it up punchily, and James Ryan is whistled for failing to roll away. Referee Nic Berry warns Caelan Doris about his side’s discipline, particularly in that breakdown area – another infringement and Ireland will lose a man.
(REUTERS)
Ireland 3-6 New Zealand, 36 minutes
20:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ronan Kelleher tries to go to the tail but Scott Barrett is there with a pilfering paw. Ireland are penalised in midfield. Six times they have been pinged in this half – England conceded two in the first 64 minutes last week, which was a big reason why they were able to take control of that Test.
Ireland 3-6 New Zealand, 34 minutes
20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Strong defence from New Zealand. First the maul is stalled effectively and then Bundee Aki is stripped in the carry, perhaps by a stray hand on the floor that goes unspotted by the officials.
Caleb Clarke slices his kick directly into touch from just outside his own 22, though he claims there is a touch from Mack Hansen. There isn’t, but the TMO’s review determines that Clarke had a foot on the line, meaning Ireland’s lineout will be back in their own half.
Ireland 3-6 New Zealand, 32 minutes
20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Better stability for Ireland this time. James Lowe juggles a little as he gets a first proper attacking touch on the left flank, and New Zealand are soon penalised.
To the corner they will venture, to the delight of the home fans.
Ireland 3-6 New Zealand, 30 minutes
20:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Will Jordan has looked very composed in the aerial contest tonight, the fine finisher enjoying a bit more of a run in his preferred 15 shirt.
New Zealand are turned over, though, with Cortez Ratima struggling for time and space at ruck. A knock on from Caleb Clarke as he shoots out of the line, accidental rather than deliberate like the one against England last week, will give Ireland a scrum.
PENALTY! Ireland 3-6 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 29 minutes)
20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Over it goes from the boot of Damian McKenzie.
(Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 28 minutes
20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Free kick to New Zealand and here we go! Ardie Savea taps quickly and is hauled back by Tadhg Beirne, though an arm around the neck will result in a penalty.
A no-arms tackle gives Scott Barrett two to choose from. He picks the closer of them to the uprights, which is a rather telling indicator as to his decision of what to do with it.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 27 minutes
20:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That Irish scrum is beginning to creak. The hosts are in retreat as the ball springs free into New Zealand hands from the set piece, but Nic Berry’s whistle brings things to a halt, the referee not deeming either side at fault for the instability. The grin on Tamaiti Williams’ face suggests he’s eager for more, anyway.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 26 minutes
20:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not straight! This is where Codie Taylor’s absence is felt, Asafo Aumua an outstanding open-field threat from hooker but perhaps lacking a bit of accuracy at lineout time. An opportunity gone – for now at least.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 24 minutes
20:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another penalty to the All Blacks. Jamison Gibson-Park never got back onside before rushing up to shut down a carrier.
What’s the call, Scott Barrett? Posts or corner? Corner it is!
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 23 minutes
20:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The first major involvement from last week’s star Wallace Sititi ends Ireland’s latest offensive, Garry Ringrose isolated after a tip-on at the line and forced to hold on by Sititi’s jackal. New Zealand kick deep into home territory.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 22 minutes
20:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
These scrum battles have been intriguing so far, New Zealand perhaps just with an edge but neither side giving much. Away the All Blacks go to the right and Damian McKenzie picks up a bouncing ball, Jamison Gibson-Park showing impressive pace to run him down and prevent the fly half putting Mark Tele’a in. Again the ball hits the floor thanks to more superb scrambling from Josh van der Flier.
Gibson-Park is in the thick of things again as the two sides trade turnovers, calming things down after drawing a penalty at a ruck on Ireland’s ten-metre line.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 20 minutes
20:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The game has just got a bit of tempo now, both sides prepared to play. Ireland manage to slow New Zealand’s ball but still the All Blacks come. A knock on at a ruck ends an exhausting passage – it’ll be New Zealand’s feed.
(Getty Images)
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 18 minutes
20:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Biff! Garry Ringrose reintroduces himself to Rieko Ioane, absolutely thundering into the carrying Kiwi and dumping him on his backside. Johnny Sexton will have enjoyed that one.
New Zealand play with good continuity, though, working through the phases. Space eventually appears for Mark Tele’a on the right but Hugo Keenan succeeds where George Ford failed last week, forcing him towards the touchline. James Lowe intercepts an in-field offload and clears his lines.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 16 minutes
20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And now Ireland fall foul off the escorting crackdown. Tupou Vaa’i nicks a lineout and Cortez Ratima goes to the air, Jamison Gibson-Park’s step across Mark Tele’a deemed as obstruction with Nic Berry very, very sharp to his whistle.
New Zealand kick down towards the Ireland 22.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 15 minutes
20:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland are awarded a scrum free kick. No longer able to take a repeat scrum option, Jack Crowley tests out the All Blacks’ aerial defences – Will Jordan is equal to the high boot.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 13 minutes
20:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Now the All Blacks look to spread it, but as they have done all year, it just looks a little clunky. Will Jordan goes left, then right, then backwards and belatedly forward, and the under-pressure Cortez Ratima again throws a shocking pass, which Damian McKenzie knocks on.
Time for a bit of a scrap. Joe McCarthy and Scott Barrett collide like two ruttting stags, neither conceding an inch. Ireland’s scrum.
Ireland 3-3 New Zealand, 11 minutes
20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland work a promising position as Mack Hansen steps in at first receiver, open pasture appearing outside Bundee Aki as the wing pulls back his pass behind Josh van der Flier to the centre. But Aki is preoccupied with a swift transfer to the waiting men in space, taking his eyes off the ball and dropping it cold. A rare error from Aki, in such irresistable form over the last year and a half.
PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 10 minutes)
20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A simple starter for McKenzie.
Ireland 3-0 New Zealand, 9 minutes
20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A moment of real fortune for Cortez Ratima, fumbling as he tries to pass from a ruck. He’s able to regather and spots space between two Irish forwards chasing eagerly for the loose ball like spaniels, the scrum half dashing upfield. Ireland are pinged at a breakdown soon enough, granting Damian McKenzie a chance to answer Crowley’s three.
PENALTY! IRELAND 3-0 New Zealand (Jack Crowley, 8 minutes)
20:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jack Crowley slots the penalty from the tee. Ireland are on the board first.
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 7 minutes
20:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An excellent clearance from Damian McKenzie sends Ireland back beyond halfway, from where the hosts play a phase and then go back to the air. And there’s the escorting law in action – Nic Berry blows his whistle having deemed Jordie Barrett to have changed his line and blocked a chasing Mack Hansen. Harsh, you’d say – Barrett didn’t change his line and Hansen rather drew attention to his presence by barging through the back of him, but this should be three points…
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 5 minutes
20:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s stable at the third attempt and off Ireland go, Bundee Aki carrying firmly and then Caelan Doris in the second phase. Kelleher and Bealham lurk wide on the right and combine nicely, but Aki’s pass hits the deck in the next phase off Irish hands.
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
20:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Their replacement front row went very well against England last week, but England had Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax under pressure at times. No Dan Sheehan or Tadhg Furlong for Ireland, of course, but Ronan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham are Lions contenders in their own rights.
How will the first scrum go? Down twice and a double reset.
Ireland 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
20:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The first Irish touch is from captain Caelan Doris, trucking up from the kick off. Into a kicking exchange, referee Nic Berry barking at the retreating players to “open up” and allow the chasers access.
Cortez Ratima looks to go to the air, but the scrum half is unprotected at the base of the breakdown. Andrew Porter gets through on to the leg and Will Jordan fumbles on the floor after the prop’s chargedown.
KICK OFF!
20:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Underway in Dublin.
Ireland vs New Zealand
20:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Here we go then. A long build-up, Ireland hitting a few tackle shields to warm the shoulders and make the All Blacks wait.
Nic Berry has the whistle, Damian McKenzie the ball.
Haka
20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Time for the haka, to be led in the absence of Codie Taylor and TJ Perenara by…Rieko Ioane. Ireland take a few paces towards the All Blacks as the bodies spread, Caelan Doris with the mildly amused look of a parent watching a primary school play – the new Irish skipper looks totally relaxed. Andrew Porter, meanwhile, has the face of a bulldog chewing wasps – the prop looks ready to rip in.
And forward Ireland come, meeting the challenge in unison! Lively. This should be mighty.
(Getty Images)
Anthems
20:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There has been a bit of criticism from Donncha O’Callaghan on Irish radio today about England’s failure to play New Zealand’s anthem properly at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham last week, so it should please the former Ireland lock that the brass band give both the All Blacks’ “God Defend New Zealand” and the home brace of anthems full welly.
The place fills fit to burst.
Ireland vs New Zealand
19:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Out the players come into the Dublin night, the Aviva Stadium jumping. Ahead of the anthems, President Michael D Higgins makes his way out to greet the two teams, as is custom before fixtures here.
Ireland vs New Zealand
19:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a bit of drizzle in the air, a greasy surface likely to make those high ball battles all the more important. We saw the crackdown on escorting observed impeccably by England and New Zealand last weekend – to the surprise of at least one senior England player we spoke to this week – and you’d imagine we will again see the push for a cleaner contest pay off. Can New Zealand go again just six days on from that hard-hitting encounter?
Ireland vs New Zealand match officials
19:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Trying to keep things largely under control will be the match officials, led by Australia’s Nic Berry.
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)
(REUTERS)
What reception will Rieko Ioane get?
19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s 13 months since Rieko Ioane gave a beaten Johnny Sexton a send-off at the end of the World Cup quarter-final, the All Blacks centre telling the retiring Ireland fly half to make sure he doesn’t miss his flight among other more choice vocabulary in a short verbal spray. “So much for their humility,” Sexton wrote in his autobiography earlier this year of an exchange caught on camera that seems to have only served to strengthen the rivalry between these two teams.
Sexton has been back in Ireland camp this autumn doing a bit of coaching and mentoring work, though is thought to be steering clear of active involvement this evening. Ioane will, however, be at the centre of things – and can probably expect a bit of barracking from a Dublin crowd who should be well lubricated.
(Getty Images)
Caelan Doris looking to harness pain of World Cup defeat
19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Caelan Doris is determined to harness the painful lessons of Ireland’s World Cup anguish as he prepares to begin his captaincy against New Zealand.
The 26-year-old admits he underperformed last October when Irish dreams of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup were extinguished by a heartbreaking 28-24 quarter-final loss to the All Blacks in Paris.
Doris has been a leading star of the Andy Farrell era and was named skipper for this month’s Autumn Nations Series, having twice previously fulfilled the role on a temporary basis.
The back-row forward describes his leadership style as “actions first” and is intent on delivering a performance in Friday evening’s sold-out Aviva Stadium showdown following last year’s disappointment.
“I’ve obviously reflected on that game and I know it wasn’t near one of my best performances or where I can get to,” he said of the quarter-final.
“It’s all part of the journey and the evolution of a player and of a person.
“I’m sure that game, some of the lessons from it, will lead to further development and growth for me. I’m looking forward to putting that into action.”
Andy Farrell hopes Ireland rise to occasion at sold-out Aviva Stadium
19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Head coach Andy Farrell hopes a raucous Dublin crowd can help Ireland topple the All Blacks.
A sold-out Aviva Stadium awaits New Zealand as the hosts attempt to right the wrongs of last year’s World Cup quarter-final exit in Paris.
Farrell, who dismissed the notion of revenge being a motivating factor, anticipates an electric atmosphere, with a planned pre-match light show set to fire up supporters.
Andy Farrell hopes Ireland rise to occasion at sold-out Aviva Stadium
New Zealand team news
19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand are without fly half Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor, who both failed head injury assessments during the win over England. Damian McKenzie steps into the starting side after a pivotal cameo off the bench last week, while Taylor’s replacement Asafo Aumua was similarly effective having been forced on inside ten minutes. Ethan de Groot remains absent after failing to meet internal standards.
New Zealand XV: 1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Wallace Sititi, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Mark Tele’a; 15 Will Jordan.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau; 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Stephen Perofeta.
Ireland team news
19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland have suffered mixed injury news in the front row, where Ronan Kelleher is fit to start at hooker but Leinster colleague Tadhg Furlong is ruled out with a hamstring issue. Finlay Bealham steps in at tighthead while wing Mack Hansen is set for his first appearance in Irish green since last year’s World Cup quarter-final. Jack Crowley gets the nod ahead of Ciaran Frawley at fly half.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahony; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Jamie Osborne.
Ireland can’t soothe World Cup pain but All Blacks offer important benchmark
18:45 , Luke Baker
Victory for Ireland over New Zealand on Friday evening won’t wash away the pain of 14 October 2023. Those 37 phases of agony, yet another World Cup quarter-final exit and four years to ponder just how they came out on the wrong side of one of the most thrilling Tests of all time.
But 13 months on, the smallest measure of vengeance can be exacted at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland can’t soothe World Cup pain but All Blacks offer important benchmark
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A win over England has restored a bit of belief to the New Zealand ranks after a lean Rugby Championship. But the All Blacks’ brand has not felt this weak for some time:
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: how rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Captain Caelan eyes Lions role
18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland number eight Caelan Doris is already being touted as Farrell’s captain for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. The in-form 26-year-old has a major opportunity to further stake his claim for that role this month after taking the captaincy from Peter O’Mahony. Doris first skippered Ireland against Italy in this year’s Six Nations before leading his country to July’s series-levelling 25-24 win against South Africa in Durban. “He’s thriving in the role now,” Farrell said of Doris’ leadership. “You can see that, he’s certainly walking tall. He’s taken it all in his stride and that puts everyone else at ease.”
(PA Wire)
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Scrum struggles
18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Struggles at the scrum were a contributing factor to Ireland’s quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup falling short just over 12 months ago. They will need to rectify those issues if they are to change the outcome this time around and must do so with a rejigged front row. Injury has deprived the hosts of star tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong, resulting in a start for Finlay Bealham, while they appear rusty at hooker. With first-choice number two Dan Sheehan sidelined, Ronan Kelleher is thrust straight in after recovering from an ankle issue. Replacement hooker Rob Herring has not played this season.
Ireland prop Finlay Bealham, pictured, will start in place of the injured Tadhg Furlong (PA Archive)
Ireland vs New Zealand talking points: Revenge not on the agenda
17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland players on media duty this week have admitted the World Cup exit at the hands of the All Blacks still stings. Yet they – and head coach Farrell – have each stressed revenge is not a consideration going into what promises to be a titanic tussle. Aside from that agonising 28-24 quarter-final defeat in Paris, Ireland have had New Zealand’s number during the Farrell era. A memorable 29-20 Dublin win three autumns ago was followed by a historic 2-1 tour success in 2022. While victory on Friday evening cannot make up for the heartbreak suffered at Stade de France, Ireland will be eager to right some wrongs.
(Getty Images)
Damain McKenzie replaces Beauden Barrett in All Blacks side
17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Damian McKenzie is back at fly half for New Zealand in their clash with Ireland in Dublin, one of two injury enforced changes to the side who secured a narrow win over England.
McKenzie, who has spent much of the year in the number 10 jersey, replaced Beauden Barrett, who is unavailable due to a concussion he received in the 24-22 victory at Twickenham.
It is fair to say McKenzie’s performances this season have been mixed, but on his day is a match-winner.
“When he is on he is world class. You have to trust him,” coach Scott Robertson told reporters on Wednesday.
Asafo Aumua comes in at hooker for Codie Taylor, who was also concussed last weekend. The rest of the side remains the same.
“We have tried to keep the continuity in the squad as much as possible,” Robertson said. “There were some good performances (against England) and some cohesion. We won’t change just for the sake of it.”
(Getty Images)
Ireland given huge front-row fitness boost as team named for All Blacks test
17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Front-row forwards Finlay Bealham and Ronan Kelleher will start Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand in Dublin.
Prop Bealham comes into the team for Friday’s match in place of injured tighthead Tadhg Furlong, while hooker Kelleher has been passed fit after suffering an ankle issue only a month ago.
Kelleher, whose availability is a massive boost given the absence of sidelined Leinster team-mate Dan Sheehan, is one of 10 players retained from the side which began the series-levelling 25-24 win over world champions South Africa on July 13.
Ireland given huge front-row fitness boost as team named for All Blacks test
Joe McCarthy – Ireland have earned right to ‘feel confident’ facing New Zealand
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lock Joe McCarthy believes Ireland have “earned the right” to feel confident of taking on the All Blacks as they attempt to banish bitter memories of last year’s agonising Rugby World Cup exit.
New Zealand are due at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin tonight for the first meeting of the sides since Andy Farrell’s team were defeated 28-24 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 tournament in France.
Ireland had won five of the previous eight clashes between the nations prior to the painful elimination in Paris, including securing a historic 2-1 tour success in 2022.
“Getting to play the All Blacks is where we want to be, testing ourselves against a world-class team, it’s exciting,” said McCarthy, who is fully fit following a recent hamstring issue.
“Every game starts on zero. I feel like every game, you have to make it happen.
“No matter what position you play, you’re playing against 15 top-quality rugby players, so you’re preparing as hard as you can.
“We’ve had a good track record the last few years, we’ve earned the right to have a bit of confidence going into games.”
Joe McCarthy – Ireland have earned right to ‘feel confident’ facing New Zealand
Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE
Thursday 7 November 2024 12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A very good evening, and welcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of Ireland’s opening Autumn Nations Series clash with New Zealand.
The November action got underway with a thriller between the All Blacks and England last weekend and this should be a proper humdinger, with Andy Farrell’s side out for a measure of World Cup revenge against a visiting team with confidence swelling after a significant win.
Kick off is at 8.10pm GMT.
(Getty Images)
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