Only Ireland’s 3rd ever victory over New Zealand, in their 2nd Autumn Nations Series game, in the Aviva Stadium, with an emphatic 29-20 win. In what was a turbulent week for Irish Rugby, Ireland produced an epic performance. This Ireland v New Zealand game will be discussed for years to come. In what was coach Andy Farrell’s first game against one of the Southern Hemisphere’s big three and the first of four games against New Zealand, Ireland dominated from the 1st minute to the last to rattle this mighty New Zealand.
A look at how we rate the Ireland player’s performance.
Ireland v New Zealand: Ireland Player Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan - 8
Was pulled around all corners of Lansdowne Road by the New Zealand kicking game. Another great pass to put Lowe away for the 1st try. Another solid performance in his 15th Cap.
14 Andrew Conway - 7
The game drifted by him in the 1st half. Better work-rate in the 2nd half, where he looked to get on the ball more. Very solid in defence.
See Also: James Lowe Had A Message For His Critics After New Zealand Victory
13 Garry Ringrose - 9
One of his best performances in an Ireland jersey. It was a constant threat to the New Zealand defence with his quick feet and silky skills. Try saving tackle on Jordie Barrett was a real game-changer.
12 Bundee Aki - 7
Was really up for the fight after the sight of the Haka. Was direct in his ball-carrying, but his passing skills struggled under the line speed of New Zealand.
11 James Lowe - 7
One of the stars of this Ireland v New Zealand fixture. Showed he is a world-class finisher when he gets the ball in space. Silenced his doubters with an early try. Caught out for New Zealand’s try but was excellent in other parts of the field.
10 Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 7
Kept the attack ticking over but needed to keep his focus under the heavy-handed tactics of New Zealand. Targeted as Ireland’s key man and lost the psychological battle but had the last laugh. Poor off the tee.
9 Jamison Gibson Park -8
His passing was exquisite and kept the high speed of the attack. His 50/22 kick was brilliant just after Ireland took the lead.
1 Andrew Porter - 8
An outstanding performance by the Ireland loose head. Rock-solid in the scrum and very good in defence with huge pressure around the New Zealand tackle.
2 Ronan Kelleher - 9
13 November 2021; Ronán Kelleher of Ireland is congratulated by team-mate Jack Conan after scoring his side's second try during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Another outstanding performance from the Irish hooker. He was superb around the pitch. A well-deserved try. Strange decision to take him off after 57 minutes
3 Tadhg Furlong -8
Continues to show his class with another stunning performance – will be disappointed with his defence for New Zealand’s first try
4 Ian Henderson - 6
Showed some nice passes in that attacking pod of 3 but struggled to get to the pace of the game. Carried hard in Ireland’s 22m attack.
5 James Ryan – 8
Was the best lock on the field and left everything on the pitch. His ability to repeatedly get off the line in defence and offer himself as a ball carrier is a joy to watch. Showed good leadership after Sexton left the field.
6 Caelan Doris - 10
Was simply brilliant. With a huge, physical 80-minute performance by the Leinster back rower. His choke tackle on Jordan was world-class. Showed great power, pace and feet to get over for an outstanding try..
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 8
The red scrum cap was everywhere – make tackles and carried a lot of balls.
8 Jack Conan - 8
Got through an incredible amount of work. His line speed in defence was excellent. Ireland’s attack use him in the wider channels, but he didn’t see it as much as he did the previous week.
Replacements
Rob Herring 6
Struggled to get into the game. Poor lineout error when he came on
Cian Healy N/A
Not on long enough.
Finlay Bealham 7
Hard to play second fiddle to Furlong, but he does a pretty good job at it. Did all he was asked of him.
Tadhg Beirne 7
A great penalty won in the final minute
Peter O’Mahony 8
The ideal type of game for the Munster man. Good physical impact off the bench. The crucial penalty won in the 72nd minute.
Conor Murray N/A
Not on long enough.
Joey Carbery -7
Chipped in with 9 crucial points in the last 10 minutes to bring Ireland home. Incredible kick from the halfway line to put the lead out to 6 points. Loves an Ireland v New Zealand Fixture
Keith Earls - 7
Will be delighted with his cameo appearance with an important tackle on Reece.
Coach – 9
The best of days for Andy Farrell and his coaches. The defence was outstanding, and the team took the opportunities presented to them.
SEE ALSO: All Blacks Hooker Gets Telling Off From Referee For Johnny Sexton Comment
