Ireland's hopes of a historic victory at the Aviva Stadium were dashed on Friday night as New Zealand emerged with a comfortable 23-13 victory in front of a subdued Dublin crowd. The much-anticipated clash failed to ignite as the Ireland rugby team struggled to impose their trademark attacking game against an average All Blacks side.
From the opening whistle, Ireland appeared confused in their game plans. They focused on containing New Zealand's threat instead of playing to their strengths. This tactical uncertainty, combined with an uncharacteristically poor disciplinary display, proved costly as the visitors capitalized on Ireland’s poor execution. The total of 13 penalties conceded will be a particular concern for the Irish coaching staff as they look ahead to next week's fixture.
While Ireland's defence showed moments of resilience, their attack never found its rhythm. The usually fluid combination play that has become their hallmark was conspicuously absent, with only fleeting glimpses of their attack capabilities breaking through the All Blacks' defensive line.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Irish team; it's your Ireland rugby player ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings Starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan – 6/10
Great to see him back in the Green jersey of Ireland as his positioning play was of the highest level. Will be disappointed in his defence efforts as he missed a few tackles
14. Mack Hansen – 5/10
Like Keenan, he was back in an Ireland shirt but was some way off his best. He physically struggled around the breakdown.
13. Garry Ringrose – 6/10
He smashed the pantomime villain opposite number Rieko Ioane early in the game. Lived out scraps in attack off some really poor passing inside of him.
12. Bundee Aki – 7/10
Made some uncharacteristic handling errors in the first half. Got Ireland into the game just before halftime with one of his barnstorming runs. Got the crowd going with a massive tackle on Cane early in the 2nd half. - 9 Ball Carries
11. James Lowe – 7/10
Involved heavily in much of Ireland’s good work in the 2nd half. A huge 50/22 that gave life to Ireland when they were on the ropes.
10. Jack Crowley – 5/10
Settled the nerves early with a 7th-minute penalty. Not always his fault but as the person in charge of the attack he struggled to run Ireland’s attack outside of their powerplays from set pieces. 100% off the tee.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7/10
Some big moments in Ireland’s defence. Came up with a huge tackle in the 21st minute to prevent a certain try. Speed of service was good, but needed to control the field position as his half-back partner was struggling.
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1. Andrew Porter – 7/10
Controlled his side of the scrum well all night. Had some big moments with an early block down and some big tackles.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 6/10
Got through a huge amount in defence and defensive rucks. Faded in the 2nd half.
3. Finlay Bealham – 6/10
Survived the scrum battle for most of the time he was on. Painted some poor pictures for the referee around the tackle area and gave away a few penalties. Offered very little around the field in attack.
4. Joe McCarthy – 5/10
Threw himself around but looked off the pace, especially at lineout time.
5. James Ryan – 8/10
A real work-horse performance - Got through a massive amount of work, especially in defence. Won his lineout ball when called upon. A Massive 17 tackles
6. Tadhg Beirne – 6/10
Put in a huge effort in a position he hasn’t played in a while. Ran out of gas in the last quarter
7. Josh Van Der Flier – 8/10
Ireland’s try scorer with the opening try early in the 2nd half. A huge first half as he slowed and disrupted any type of quality ball for New Zealand. 17 tackles
8. Caelan Doris – 6/10
Came up against a real quality New Zealand back-row and got the better of them for much of the game. - 9 Ball Carries
Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Replacements:
16· Rob Herring – 5/10
No real impact when he came on
17· Cian Healy – 5/10
Came on when the game was nearly over. No real impact.
18· Tom O’Toole – n/a
Only on for 2 mins – off for a HIA.
19· Ian Henderson – 5/10
Tried to get into the game and force his way into the game. His counter-rucking decision-making was poor.
20· Peter O’Mahony– 5/10
Took a good Lineout win but came on when the game looked lost and couldn’t impact the game.
21· Conor Murray – 6/10
No real impact but the game was long over before he came on.
22· Ciaran Frawley – 4/10
Some really bad moments that sucked the life out of the players around him.
23· Jamie Osborne – 7/10
Showed some good skills in contact during his short time on the field
Coach– 5/10
A night where conservative tactics trumped attacking intent at the Aviva Stadium. What emerged was a game plan that appeared overly focused on containment rather than backing Ireland's proven attacking credentials against the All Blacks. This defensive mindset represented a significant departure from the confident, front-foot rugby that has become Ireland's calling card in recent years.
Discipline will be a critical concern for the coaching staff. The mounting penalty count not only gifted New Zealand territory and points but also painted an unfavourable picture in the referee's mind, particularly around the tackle area. Perhaps most concerning was the lack of impact options from the bench.
