In Wellington, Ireland put on one of their most incredible performances to upset New Zealand 32-22 and win their first-ever series against the All Blacks. While Ireland repeatedly cut open New Zealand in attack, New Zealand's ineffective offensive was unable to find solutions to what the Irish defence provided. While they spent more time in defence, Ireland was the better team for the majority of the game because they were more effective in their 22-metre attack. A look at how we rate the Ireland player’s performance; it's our Ireland player ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan - 8
Came out of every aerial dual with the ball. Finished off Ireland’s 2nd try after neat handling by his fellow back 3 players. His kicking game was excellent
14 Mack Hansen - 7
Targeted in the air early by New Zealand and struggled. Some great attacking involvements with some crisp passing.
13 Bundee Aki - 9
He was outstanding throughout with his high octane energy. Great skill leading up to the great Henshaw try
12 Robbie Henshaw - 10
Was probably one of the best players of the pitch in attack & defence. Scored one of Ireland’s greatest tries in the 1st half - 11 tackles
11 James Lowe - 8
Great skills to put Keenan away for Ireland’s 2nd try His left boot is a thing of beauty for Ireland’s ability to relieve pressure Showed loads of energy in attack . Will be disappointed with his 3 missed tackles.
10 Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 9
Like most fine wines they get better with age - he was just so good tonight. Just controlled the game with epic composure and incredible skills. Passed the 1000 test points mark too.
9 Jamison Gibson Park - 8
When your outside backs need quick ball, that's what he delivered with great passing accuracy. You’d wonder why New Zealand rugby allowed him to move to Ireland.
1 Andrew Porter - 8
While he will be delighted with his scrum performance it was his defensive work around the field and at maul time was most impressive. Unfortunate moment for his yellow card. Made 14 tackles
2 Dan Sheehan - 9
Brilliant – Just Brilliant. His pass to Aki before Henshaw try was incredible skill. Carried well all night with one epic side step on the New Zealand captain. Will be disappointed with his tackle on Ioane
3 Tadhg Furlong - 8
Dominate at scrum time . His defensive organisation was outstanding. Got on the ball more and made an incredible 14 tackles
4 Tadhg Beirne - 9
Another huge performance by the Kildare man! His penalty win in the 58th minute was vital moment that stopped New Zealand momentum at a vital time and again come up with 3 epic moments in the last 8 minutes when his team’s backs were against the wall
5 James Ryan – 9
He’s back – showed how good he is with a huge performance. Like all his team mates he showed what a competitor he is with 16 tackles .
6 Peter O’Mahony - 9
Another fine performance for O’Mahony. A constant thorn in the New Zealand breakdown and Lineout. Brings great balance to the Irish backrow.
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 9
Got on the end of an Irish maul to get Ireland’s first try. Dominated the New Zealand backrow. Ireland’s top tackler with 22 tackles and 6 Ball carries.
8 Caelan Doris - 9
From the 1st minute of the game he showed his quality. Vital cog in all that's good about this team. Tackled his heart out with 18 tackles.
Ireland player ratings - Replacements
Rob Herring - 7
What an impact – got on the end of a maul to record Ireland’s 4th try – at a crucial time. His throwing skills are still an issue off the bench.
Cian Healy - 7
Great experience off the bench
Finley Bealham - 7
Good impact in defence with 4 tackles for his 10 minutes.
Kieran Treadwell - 7
Reduced to lots of defence duties when he came on. Has had a great tour.
Jack Conan - 8
Another great impact off the bench. A luxury for the coaching staff to have in the squad.
Conor Murray - 7
Came up with some great defence sets late on in the game. Great experience to have off the bench .
Joey Carbery - 7
Better performance by Carbery. Controlled the vital last few minutes with Sexton off the field.
Keith Earls - 7
Slotted into the centre seamlessly with some good defence sets.
Coach – 9
History made by this coaching group with Ireland’s first series win in New Zealand.
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