DUBLIN, Ireland – Any notion that the New Zealand All Blacks have lost their edge or fearsome reputation can be put to rest. In a compelling display of grit and tactical dominance, the All Blacks bested Ireland 23-13, not only ending Ireland’s impressive 19-game home winning streak but also reasserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby. Scott Robertson’s first year as head coach is already paying dividends, as this performance showcased a team that balances both seasoned experience and fresh talent, firmly putting to rest any doubts about their competitive strength.
The last Rugby World Cup saw the departure of legendary All Blacks like Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, and Aaron Smith—names that have left an indelible mark on the game. Yet, in classic New Zealand fashion, the weight of the iconic silver fern has not diminished. The All Blacks remain under constant pressure to excel, and Robertson has risen to the challenge by crafting a renewed, cohesive squad. He has carefully blended the wisdom of veteran players with the energy of younger prospects, a strategy that has brought the team back to the top of their game.
Ireland, coming into this match as favorites, had hoped to capitalize on New Zealand’s transitional phase, especially given the All Blacks’ mixed performance in the recent Rugby Championship, where they won just three out of six matches. Ireland’s supporters were optimistic, buoyed by recent wins and memories of a narrow victory over the All Blacks in Paris last year. But New Zealand entered Aviva Stadium with their sights set on reclaiming dominance. The All Blacks were also coming off a narrow win against England at Twickenham, where Damian McKenzie’s precise goal-kicking proved decisive. Against Ireland, he was once again instrumental, scoring 18 points, including a handful of penalties and conversions that kept the All Blacks in control of the game. Will Jordan added to the scoreboard with a second-half try, underlining the team’s effectiveness.
Before the game, the spotlight was on Ireland’s new challenges, including the absence of star prop Tadhg Furlong. With a pair of less-experienced hookers, Ireland had only 12 minutes of match time between them this season. Captained by Caelan Doris, a player tipped to lead the British & Irish Lions next year, Ireland entered with hope, especially as New Zealand was also missing key players Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, both sidelined due to injuries sustained against England. Still, Ireland’s familiarity and home advantage had many believing they could secure a victory.
Adding to the intrigue was the ongoing rivalry between the two teams. Ireland and New Zealand have met in epic battles over recent years, each vying for dominance. Since Ireland’s first victory over the All Blacks in 2016, they’ve won five of the last nine matchups. However, the All Blacks’ 28-24 win in last year’s World Cup quarterfinal had left Irish fans with a lingering sense of unfinished business. Fueling the buildup was Johnny Sexton’s autobiography, which referenced an intense exchange with Rieko Ioane after that game, further stoking the rivalry’s intensity.
Inside a bustling Aviva Stadium, the energy was palpable. A particularly fervent reaction erupted when Garry Ringrose executed a clean, hard tackle on Ioane, drawing cheers from the Irish faithful. But New Zealand controlled much of the first half, with Wallace Sititi delivering a commanding performance at the back of the scrum. Despite Ireland’s attempts to gain traction, New Zealand’s set-piece strength and disciplined tactics limited their chances. They entered halftime with a narrow three-point lead.
The second half began with a promising opportunity for Ireland. A new World Rugby law directive limiting player interference in high ball catches created openings, and when Sam Cane was pushed back near his own line, Ireland seized their chance. A five-meter scrum saw Josh van der Flier dive over to score, putting Ireland ahead. However, errors in Ireland’s handling and set-piece plays, coupled with a slippery field, repeatedly thwarted their momentum. Coach Andy Farrell looked increasingly frustrated, watching his players miss critical opportunities. The match felt precariously balanced, awaiting a team to find a decisive edge.
This edge came for New Zealand in the 60th minute. Irish replacement Tom O’Toole was forced off the field with a head injury only minutes after entering, leaving Finlay Bealham to battle through nearly the full match. New Zealand quickly capitalized, deploying fresh front-row players who tipped the scales. Ofa Tu’ungafasi destabilized Bealham, leading to another successful McKenzie penalty and extending the All Blacks’ lead to 15-13. Another penalty followed, and soon after, Jordan dashed across the line for a try, giving New Zealand a comfortable 10-point margin.
Ireland’s struggles persisted as the All Blacks’ defense held strong. Although James Lowe’s 50/22 kick gave Ireland an advantageous position late in the game, New Zealand’s disciplined wall held firm, systematically pushing Ireland back and draining their last hopes of a comeback. Damian McKenzie’s performance earned him Player of the Match honors, with his accurate kicking and strategic playmaking underscoring his pivotal role.
As the final whistle blew, New Zealand had not only won the game but reasserted their control over a rivalry that had recently begun to swing in Ireland’s favor. Though Ireland had hoped to sweep their November tests, they will leave this game with much to reflect on. It was a night of uncharacteristic mistakes and lost chances for a team that usually excels under pressure. New Zealand, however, seized every opening and kept the match within their grasp, displaying once again the strength, resilience, and tactical prowess that have defined them for generations.
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