Well, ladies and gentlemen, it appears we’ve just witnessed a rugby spectacle that can be best described as a great big *Oof*. Ireland’s 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium was reminiscent of that time you’ve convinced yourself to splurge on an expensive meal, only to find it tastes like disappointment served on a plate. So, let’s dive right into the player ratings and see how Andy Farrell’s lads fared against the mighty Kiwis.
Ireland Player Ratings v All Blacks
15 Hugo Keenan: His return to the international scene was about as quiet as a library in the middle of exam season. He made a stunning tackle on Mark Tele’a—probably the highlight of his performance, but sadly it was a bit like winning the consolation prize in the lottery. 5
14 Mack Hansen: Look who’s back! And not a moment too soon—well, sort of. He slotted into the Ireland backline like he was stepping onto a comfy couch. He had a couple of decent defensive moves but let’s face it, he wasn’t exactly setting the pitch ablaze with excitement. 6
13 Garry Ringrose: Oh, the crowd roared with delight when he brought down Rieko Ioane—public enemy number one! Good on him for stepping up to the plate. However, he was part of a highly ineffective defence against relentless All Blacks assaults. Not exactly headlining the highlights reel. 6
12 Bundee Aki: Bundee found himself dropping the ball like it was a hot potato—looking up at the defence instead of keeping his eye on the prize. He showed some grit, but the “box office” was closed that night. 5
11 James Lowe: Ah, James came in with some cracking kicks, including a stunning 50:22. He flashed some brilliance but nothing that would leave a lasting impression—more a flicker than a firework. 6
All Blacks put lacklustre Ireland to the sword to bring 19-game home winning streak to a swift end.
Half-backs
10 Jack Crowley: The poor lad was about as busy as a cat on a hot tin roof with only 12 touches before he was subbed off. His goal-kicking was solid—but not a single moment that screamed, “I’m a rugby superstar!” No cigar for him today. 4
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Jamison played with more effort than a toddler trying to convince you they don’t need a nap. He made some brilliant tackles but struggled to establish himself in attack. Sometimes even the best engine needs a bit of fuel, love! 6
Back Rowers
8 Caelan Doris (c): The massive carry that led to Ireland’s solitary try might have seemed like a turning point, but the aftertaste of defeat was as bitter as stale bread. He worked hard, but it feels ironically poetic—too little, too late. 6
7 Josh van der Flier: If we were handing out superhero capes, this guy would be wearing one. He was everywhere, ruffling feathers at the breakdown and netting Ireland’s opening try like it was a casual Sunday afternoon stroll. The standout in a sea of mediocrity—8/10 for effort! 8
6 Tadhg Beirne: Just your humble workhorse! He toiled away but didn’t quite get the glory he usually does. It’s like being invited to the party but left outside while everyone has a laugh. 5
Tight Five
5 James Ryan: James led from the front like a fearless knight battling a dragon—if that dragon was holding the ball and scoring tries. Two turnovers, a top tackle count, and yet, it felt as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders all alone. 6
4 Joe McCarthy: He annoyed the All Blacks early with his pesky tactics. But alas, injury struck before the hour mark. It’s like finally getting through a tough crossword puzzle and then losing the pencil! 6
3 Finlay Bealham: Managed to hold the scrum together like a well-timed sitcom but was largely absent from the action otherwise. Should’ve taken a leaf out of James Lowe’s book on how to kick up a storm! 4
2 Rónan Kelleher: After a month of rust, Rónan cranked it up defensively but the lineout lacked the sharpness of a samurai sword. Two clean steals by the All Blacks and that’s gonna sting like a hangover. 5
1 Andrew Porter: He painted a good picture for the officials, escaping without a sanction. He ran for 74 minutes—and at least he kept the work rate up. Consistency is key, though! 6
Replacements
Oh, the bench. The much-anticipated cavalry charge that turned into a gentle trot around the block. After previously shining against the Springboks, Ciaran Frawley had an outing that can be generously termed as “subpar.” Needed more ‘oomph’ from the fresh legs on offer—only managed a meek 2 overall. The whole second half was like watching a spare tire on a flat race car—no lift when it truly mattered!
So there you have it, folks! Ireland’s clash with the All Blacks will surely be remembered as a lesson in tenacity, with the Kiwis continuing to reign supreme. Time to lick our wounds, regroup and maybe consider a career change to something less painful—like knitting!
Following Ireland’s 23-13 loss to the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium, we present player ratings for Andy Farrell’s men in their Autumn Nations Series encounter, which ended in disappointment.
Ireland player ratings v All Blacks
14 Mack Hansen: In his first Test match back since the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals against the All Blacks last year, Mack Hansen appeared to pick up right where he left off. He effectively took on the first receiver role, demonstrating solid defensive skills and handling high balls with confidence. While he was not simply sensational, he made several notable attempts to make an impact on the game. 6
13 Garry Ringrose: Garnering a huge roar from the crowd after executing a powerful hit on Rieko Ioane, Garry Ringrose showcased his defensive prowess as the All Blacks maintained prolonged phases of ball possession. He fulfilled his defensive duties as required, contributing to the team’s resilience against formidable opposition.6
11 James Lowe: James Lowe contributed a handful of impressive kicks, including a stunning 50:22, while also posing threats during offensive plays. His performance under high balls was commendable, yet he, like several teammates, struggled to drive the momentum necessary to inspire his side. 6
Half-backs
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Despite Ireland’s difficulties controlling the game, Jamison Gibson-Park delivered excellent defensive efforts highlighted by several crucial cover tackles, particularly in the first half. Though he initiated promising plays, including a chase that led to a possible scoring opportunity, the overall lack of possession hindered his ability to make a significant offensive impact.6
Back rowers
8 Caelan Doris (c): With a powerful carry that resulted in Ireland’s only try of the game, Caelan Doris showcased his ability to lead and inspire even when the match did not go his team’s way. His relentless work ethic remains unwavering, but he struggled to create enough game-changing moments throughout the match. 6
7 Josh van der Flier: Delivering an outstanding performance, Josh van der Flier spearheaded the Irish effort at the breakdown, creating considerable disruption for the All Blacks and scoring Ireland’s initial try. His defensive work was equally impressive, marking him as the standout player in green despite the overall team performance. 8
6 Tadhg Beirne: Consistently known for his workhorse mentality, Tadhg Beirne’s contributions were as expected, despite not gaining the usual reward for his efforts at the breakdown. He rose to the occasion, immersing himself fully in the physical demands of the match.5
Tight five
5 James Ryan: As always, James Ryan led from the front, creating issues for the All Blacks at the breakdown and clinching two vital turnovers. He topped the tackle count, demonstrating his defensive tenacity with a total of 16 tackles before being substituted for Peter O’Mahony.6
4 Joe McCarthy: Joe McCarthy’s early and aggressive approach unsettled Scott Barrett, showcasing his aggressive style at the breakdown. His performance remained strong until he appeared to sustain an injury, which led to his substitution before the hour mark.6
2 Rónan Kelleher: After a month-long hiatus, Rónan Kelleher appeared somewhat rusty, yet he fought hard on defense while partially responsible for the All Blacks’ two clean steals from his lineout throws. His overall performance lacked the sharpness expected at this level, especially in the lineout department.5
Replacements: Ireland’s bench failed to deliver the much-needed energy and quality performances in the second half, falling short of expectations. Following a stellar outing against the Springboks, Ciaran Frawley struggled significantly, contributing to a disappointing showing overall from the replacement players.2
15 All Black principles pdf
The All Blacks. His opening try was a well-deserved reward for his relentless work rate and tenacity throughout the match. Josh consistently placed himself in key positions and ensured that the All Blacks found it challenging to maintain momentum. An impressive showing earned him the top score among his teammates. 8
6 Tadhg Beirne: Tadhg was his usual industrious self, working hard on both sides of the ball. Although he didn’t make the headlines this time, his contributions in defence were commendable. He maintained a solid presence at the breakdown but was unable to rise to the occasion in a match that desperately needed his flair. 5
Tight Five
5 James Ryan: Despite being heavily involved in the match, James faced an uphill battle against a determined All Blacks pack. He made crucial tackles and managed to win turnovers, showcasing his defensive capabilities. However, he was unable to significantly alter the game’s course. His effort was laudable, but it felt like he was always playing catch-up. 6
4 Joe McCarthy: Joe made a spirited start, impressing with his physicality and nuisance factor against the All Blacks. Unfortunately, his match was cut short by injury, which deprived him of the chance to build on a promising performance. It’s a pity he couldn’t impact the game further. 6
3 Finlay Bealham: Finlay held up well in the scrum but was less effective elsewhere. While he fulfilled his duties, his contributions were minimal beyond set-pieces. A performance showing potential, but lacking the dynamism and influence needed in a high-stakes clash. 4
2 Rónan Kelleher: Returning from a month-long absence, Rónan showed glimpses of his class in defence but struggled with the lineout. The All Blacks capitalised, stealing key ball that hampered Ireland’s momentum. More time may be what he needs to truly find his groove. 5
1 Andrew Porter: Andrew proved to be a steady presence throughout the match, participating actively without any major incidents. His stamina shone through, playing a significant number of minutes while consistently contributing to his team’s efforts on the field. 6
Replacements
The substitutes did not have the desired impact on the game, flowing in after half-time with energy that quickly fizzled out. Ciaran Frawley, in particular, could not find his footing and struggled to make notable contributions, leaving the team lacking spark when it was needed most. the bench’s output fell flat, with a collective rating of 2. Their chances to make a difference were few and far between, akin to a gentle breeze in an all-out storm. A missed opportunity for fresh legs to inspire a comeback.
Ultimately, the match served as a stark reminder of the gaps that need bridging for the Irish side. The All Blacks continue to prove their mettle, leaving Ireland to reflect on their performance and plan for future encounters. Time to regroup and consider how to learn from this experience—hopefully before the next clash!