A disappointing night in Eden Park in Auckland as New Zealand ran riot against an Irish side that were actually the better for the first 30 minutes. In that opening 30 minutes, New Zealand struggled with every part of their game as Ireland got into their multi-phase attack pattern resulting in an 18 -phase try for Keith Earls in the 7th minute. Ireland faded badly as New Zealand when through the gears and started to dominate the set piece and breakdown. It finished 42-19. A look at how we rate the Ireland players performance. There are your Ireland player ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan - 5/10
Not a good night for him as he struggled with his positioning and handling all evening . Missed 2 tackles.
14 Keith Earls - 5/10
Finished off a fantastic team try in the 7th minute. Didn’t see much ball after his try but never looked to get involved either as the game drifted by him.
2 July 2022; Garry Ringrose of Ireland scores his side's second try despite the tackle of Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Steinlager Series match between the New Zealand and Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
13 Garry Ringrose - 6/10
Set the tone with a huge tackle on Cane in the opening few minutes. Unlucky not to get Gibson-Park away for a try. Came up with a big try early in the 2nd half. Will be disappointed with his missed tackle on Savea in the 2nd half.
12 Robbie Henshaw - 6/10
Like much of his team mates, he started well but was reduced to defence duties for much of the game. 10 tackles
11 James Lowe- 5/10
The game seemed to drift by him as his game involvements were low. Used his massive left boot to great effect. Great offload for Ringrose try
10 Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 7/10
Had an excellent opening 20 minutes, enjoying pulling the New Zealand attack apart with some clever kicking and changes in direction. Sadly only lasted 32 minutes and his team struggled when he left the field as he failed his HIA.
9 Jamison Gibson Park - 6/10
Started well and played with pace when Ireland moved into their multi-phased attack plan. A few costly errors before half time which gave New Zealand momentum.
1 Andrew Porter - 6/10
Played himself to a standstill with his 80 minutes on the pitch. The Ireland Loose Head had a few scrum issues with his binds. Incredible coaching decision to leave him on for 80 minutes when Healy was named on the bench. Made 14 tackles in a fatiguing game.
2 Dan Sheehan - 7/10
Always hungry to get on the ball as he looked to take his opportunity to establish himself as Ireland’s first choice hooker. His involvement for the 1st try was magical with 5 ball carries in the New Zealand 22m. 13 Ball carries & 9 carries
3 Tadhg Furlong - 6/10
His long season beginning to catch up with him now as he struggling with the pace of the game in the 2nd half. Battled hard in defence and at scrum time.
4 Tadhg Beirne - 5/10
Looked some way off his best with what was his first game in a number of weeks. Poor read on New Zealand’s first try. Fought valiantly at set piece time but unfortunately badly bullied most of the game.
2 July 2022; Joey Carbery of Ireland during the Steinlager Series match between the New Zealand and Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
5 James Ryan – 5/10
Not a good night as he struggled with the pace of the game. A few uncharacteristic lineout errors at vital times of the game. 11 tackles
6 Peter O’Mahony - 7/10
Very solid performance as he and his other 2 backrow team-mates dominated the opening 30 minutes. A constant torn for New Zealand at defensive breakdowns - 10 tackles
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 7
Like his fellow backrowers, he was on top of the New Zealand backrow for much of the 1st half . Ireland’s top tackler with 18 tackles and 9 Ball carries.
8 Caelan Doris - 6/10
Battled all night but looked tired as the game wore on. Outclassed by his powerful opposite number. Never got on the ball as much as he normally does. 9 tackles
Ireland player ratings - Replacements
Dave Heffernan - n/a
Off after just three minutes with a Head injury.
Cian Healy - n/a
Serious questions for Farrell on why he was on the bench
Tom O’Toole - 5/10
13 minutes – not much impact.
Kiernan Treadwell - 6/10
Good energy when he came on.
Jack Conan - 6/10
Unlucky not to get over the line at the end.
Conor Murray - 5/10
Not much of an impact.
Joey Carbery - 5/10
A 1st half replacement for Sexton, as he got valuable game time at this level. Going to have to front up in his tackle technique if he wants to continue at this level.
Bundee Aki - 7/10
Full of energy when he came on. Lovely line to get over for Ireland’s 3rd try.
Coach – 4/10
A reality check for Andy Farrell and his coaches as questions have to asked around squad selection and use of the bench. A good start but they struggled when New Zealand increased the pace and the coaches needed to tactically shift the game.
SEE ALSO: Ronan O'Gara On The Moment The First Test Got Away From Ireland
