DUBLIN, Ireland — Any speculation regarding New Zealand’s loss of their formidable fear factor has proven to be incredibly hasty and unfounded.
The All Blacks delivered a powerful statement with their 23-13 victory, snapping Ireland’s impressive 19-match home winning streak and reinforcing their status as a rugby powerhouse. This display of disciplined aggression and set-piece dominance served as a clear message to the rugby world: Scott Robertson’s post-World Cup resurgence is indeed making significant strides.
The legendary All Blacks warriors like Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, and Aaron Smith exited the stage at the last World Cup, leaving behind a legacy etched deep within Kiwi rugby history. The iconic silver fern they represent carries immense pressure and high expectations. In his inaugural year as the All Blacks’ head coach, Robertson faced the daunting task of constructing a new team, integrating seasoned veterans with a breed of fresh, energetic Kiwis eager to make their mark.
Arriving in the northern hemisphere, New Zealand was keenly aware that the hosts were on the prowl, eager to take down a transitioning squad that had managed only three wins in six attempts during the Rugby Championship. Following their dramatic 24-22 victory against England at Twickenham—a match that featured crucial missed opportunities from George Ford—the All Blacks showcased remarkable composure and tactical execution in Dublin. Damian McKenzie, in a stellar display from fly-half, played a pivotal role, contributing 18 points, while Will Jordan added a crucial try in the second half. In contrast, Ireland’s Jack Crowley made his mark with eight points and Josh van der Flier crossed for their singular try.
The buzz before the match centered on how Ireland would cope without Tadhg Furlong, along with two hookers who had only accumulated a mere 12 minutes of match experience for the entire season. There was also keen interest surrounding the impressive Caelan Doris who has emerged as a potential leader for the British & Irish Lions next year, stepping up to captain Ireland for this crucial encounter. New Zealand, despite missing key players Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor due to head injuries sustained against England, demonstrated more recent playing consistency, having participated in eight Tests since Ireland’s narrow 25-24 victory in South Africa last July.
Ireland entered this contest as the favored team amid an undercurrent of tension stemming from a rivalry that has developed since their first meeting in 2016, where the All Blacks had historically dominated. Ireland’s prior victories had injected fresh energy into this rivalry, yet the sting of their recent World Cup quarterfinal loss still lingered, as New Zealand edged them 28-24 in a match that broke Irish hearts. This background only intensified the pre-match dialogue, especially with Johnny Sexton’s autobiography reigniting past tensions.
The public’s attention was drawn to Sexton’s reference of a heated exchange with Rieko Ioane following his final professional match, which amplified the stakes. In a particularly memorable moment of the first half at the Aviva Stadium, the crowd erupted during a perfectly executed hip tackle delivered by Garry Ringrose on Ioane. However, such instances of Irish support were few and far between in a first half largely dominated by New Zealand.
The opening half exhibited New Zealand’s control in possession and territory, with Wallace Sititi delivering a masterful performance at the back of the All Blacks’ scrum. Despite New Zealand’s superiority in the set pieces and their relentless physicality, they found themselves with only a slim three-point lead at halftime.
Referee Nic Berry enforced the new World Rugby law changes aimed at enhancing player safety, particularly around high-ball coverage and the elimination of escort runners—an adjustment that proved troublesome for both teams. An early foul in the second half presented Ireland with an opportunity that led to their first try.
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Even as Ireland’s lineout struggled, Sam Cane found himself on the back foot, forced back over his line by James Lowe and Bundee Aki, ultimately conceding a five-metre scrum. The Irish front-row displayed commendable resilience, providing van der Flier with the chance to snatch a try in the 42nd minute. At that moment, Ireland seemed to gain momentum, momentarily reminiscent of their impressive world-leading form. Yet, it became clear that consistency was elusive.
Repeated handling errors derailed Ireland’s progress, preventing them from establishing a dominant phase of play. Head coach Andy Farrell’s frustration grew palpable as his team made several uncharacteristic mistakes. The rainy conditions undoubtedly contributed to the slippery pitch, adding to the struggle for both sides. Precision would seemingly dictate the victor of this closely-fought contest.
The tide turned against Ireland in the 60th minute when Tom O’Toole, their tight-head replacement, had to exit the match just two minutes after coming on, succumbing to a head injury. His absence meant Finlay Bealham faced the grueling task of playing nearly the entire match. The All Blacks seized this opportunity; with their front-row reinforcements entering the fray, Ofa Tu’ungafasi took full advantage, forcing Bealham back and enabling McKenzie to convert his fifth penalty, propelling the All Blacks into a 15-13 lead.
Shortly thereafter, McKenzie added another three points, followed by Jordan darting over for a try in the corner in the 68th minute, extending the visitors’ lead to an impressive ten points.
Despite a phenomenal 50/22 kick from Lowe providing Ireland a lifeline, the All Blacks remained resolute, fending off the Irish assault and denying any further advances. It was as if the home side found themselves engulfed by the New Zealand onslaught, their hope dimming with every passing minute.
Ultimately, McKenzie was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional control, goal-kicking performance, while Sititi and Savea demonstrated their potential as mainstays for the All Blacks for years to come. As referee Berry signaled the end of the match, the reaction from the All Blacks was subdued yet knowing—their flawless record against Ireland may have been compromised last year, but in the span of just over a year, the pendulum had swung back in their favor.
Ireland entered the November series with ambitions of securing a perfect four from four. Instead, they faced a disappointing setback—a rare occurrence for a team historically known for their precision. Their uncharacteristic errors proved costly, possession was relinquished in critical areas, and visible rustiness shaped their performance. New Zealand, perhaps sensing their advantage, capitalized effectively, maintaining control of the game through skillful execution and tenacity. As this storied rivalry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the All Blacks stand as a persistent force in international rugby.
**Interview with Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer at ESPN**
**Interviewer:** Tom, in light of New Zealand’s impressive 23-13 victory over Ireland, how significant is this win for the All Blacks, especially given their transition following the last World Cup?
**Tom Hamilton:** This win is monumental for the All Blacks. It not only snaps Ireland’s remarkable 19-match home winning streak but also reasserts New Zealand’s dominance in the rugby landscape, especially after many questioned whether they had lost their edge. Scott Robertson has done a commendable job managing a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. This match was a solid affirmation that they still possess the power to compete at the highest level.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of transition, how do you see Scott Robertson handling the departure of legendary players like Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith?
**Tom Hamilton:** It’s a delicate balance for Robertson, but he seems to be managing it well. He had to weave in new players while still maintaining the high standards set by those legends. The challenge was greater due to the early struggles in the Rugby Championship, but this victory shows that the team is slowly finding their rhythm. With players like Damian McKenzie stepping up, it’s clear that new talent is ready to carry the legacy forward.
**Interviewer:** Ireland went into this match with high expectations but seemed to falter. What were the key factors that contributed to their loss?
**Tom Hamilton:** Ireland’s loss was largely attributed to handling errors and a lack of consistency. They had moments of brilliance, like the try from Josh van der Flier, but those moments weren’t sustained. The conditions played a role, as the wet pitch contributed to mistakes. Additionally, the absence of key players due to injury, like Tadhg Furlong, severely hampered their strategic execution, especially in the scrums, which are pivotal in matches of this magnitude.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the rivalry between New Zealand and Ireland, particularly after their previous World Cup clash. How did the historical context affect the build-up to this match?
**Tom Hamilton:** The historical context adds immense weight to this rivalry. Ireland had managed to beat New Zealand in recent matchups, which fueled their confidence. However, the memories of their narrow loss in the World Cup quarterfinal still stung. Johnny Sexton’s comments in his autobiography only added to the tension. The players and the fans were aware of this history, which amplified emotions on both sides, creating a charged atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium.
**Interviewer:** What do you think lies ahead for both teams after this match?
**Tom Hamilton:** For New Zealand, this win can serve as a springboard as they refine their team further heading into future competitions. It’s essential they build on this momentum. Ireland, meanwhile, needs to regroup quickly. They have a strong squad and a capable coach in Andy Farrell, but they must address their inconsistencies if they want to maintain their reputation as one of the top teams in the world. Regardless, both teams have their eyes on bigger prizes in the future, so fans can expect a thrilling journey ahead.
