It was a terrific night for Ireland's reserve squad versus New Zealand Maori thanks to a 30-24 victory in a rainy and windy Wellington. Many players put their names forward to be considered in future test squads, which is a great boost for the extended squad and Ireland's long-term goals. These young lads learned that the New Zealand Maoris were not as strong as Ireland had made them appear two weeks earlier as Ireland scored three magnificent tries. Ireland won comfortably because to some strong defensive sets and some excellent kicking from Casey and Frawley. A look at how we rate the Ireland players performance. Here's our Ireland player ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings
15 MIKE LOWRY - 5
Not a good night for him as he missed 2 tackles mixed with some poor kicking. Brave in his tackle attempts against much bigger men Caught out badly for the Maori 1st try. Created counter attack opportunities for NZ Maori with some loose kicking.
14 JORDAN LARMOUR- 7
Scored 2 tries on the night and showed his rugby smarts and quick thinking for Ireland’s first try. Poor missed tackle on his chase before NZ Maori’s 2nd try.
13 KEITH EARLS- CAPT 6
Sparked Ireland into life with a cleaver quick throw for Ireland’s 1st try. A typical hard working performance but unfortunately had too many errors. Got caught out a few times in defence.
12 STUART MCCLOSKEY- 7
The Maori struggling with dealing with the big Ulster centre. Had some big ball carries on a night that suited him and his strengths. Came up with a big defence turnover when needed in the 2nd half. Great pass to put Larmour over for the 4th try.
11 JIMMY O'BRIEN- 7
Some sparks of his talent on a horrible night for back 3 players. Used his left boot to great effect. Impressive work rate off his wing.
10 CIARAN FRAWLEY - 8
Looked more comfortable in this position as the game wore on. His goal kicking in a horrible windy night was excellent . Stood up well in defence as the Maori continually ran down his channel. Might just be a better option (at the moment) for the Test team bench.
9 CRAIG CASEY -7
Some crisp passing in greasy conditions. His work rate of the ball in defence was excellent and showed his game understanding, His kicking game was good throughout. Is slowly putting himself in future Test plans.
1 JEREMY LOUGHMAN- 7
Really enjoyed himself tonight, with a solid performance. Showed some good skills in attack with some good tip passes. Scrum work was good.
2 NIALL SCANNELL- 7
He has really taking his opportunity on this tour and reminded the coach that he has something to offer in the future. Great energy around the field and throw well in very difficult conditions. Excellent at the breakdown
3 TOM O'TOOLE -7
Did his basics very well. Locked out the scrum. Tired badly in the 2nd half.
12 July 2022; Joe McCarthy of Ireland is tackled by Isaia Walker-Leawere of Maori All Blacks during the match between the Maori All Blacks and Ireland at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
4 JOE MCCARTHY- 6
A great learning experience for the young lock that will show him how what the next level looks like. Always looking for work in attack & defence but gave away too many penalties.
5 KIERAN TREADWELL– 8
This has been an excellent tour for the Ulster lock as he has shown he wants to be in the top team. Lineout defence work good but it was his ability to get on the ball the most impressive part of his game.
6 CIAN PRENDERGAST- 6
Better work this week around the defensive breakdown and was awarded harshly yellow carded in the 1st half. Missed too many tackles for a backrower at this level – down to eagerness more than technique!
7 NICK TIMONEY- 8
Played like a typical Kiwi open-side with his great support play and outstanding at disrupting the Maori breakdowns. Came up with some big penalty wins. Good vision to squeeze over for Ireland’s 2nd try. Ireland’s top tackler with 17 tackles
8 GAVIN COOMBES- 7
A quite start for the big man but turned into a tackling machine as the game went on. Powerful in the tackle . Some big powerful carries that helped Ireland dominate the contact areas and again for his try in the 2nd half. 15 tackles – needs to reduce his missed tackle count (4)
Ireland player ratings: replacements
ROB HERRING
Unused
ED BYRNE - 6
Came off the bench and worked hard.
MICHAEL BENT - n/a
From milking cows to sitting on an international team’s bench. Not on long enough to rate.
RYAN BAIRD 6
Good energy when he came on. Came up with a big penalty win before 3rd try.
JACK CONAN -Unused
CONOR MURRAY - Unused
JOEY CARBERY - HIA sub
Came on at full back – for HIA replacement – Not on long enough to rate.
MACK HANSEN -
Unused
COACH– 7
Andy Farrell and his coaches will be delighted with this performance. These mid-week games with have given the coaches a great insight into players they do not normally see. Some great options moving forward into a World Cup year.
