Ireland 13-23 New Zealand: All Blacks Dominate in Dublin
The All Blacks showed their class on Saturday, November 19th, as they overcame a spirited Irish challenge to secure a 23-13 victory at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The game was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of both teams, but in the end, New Zealand's experience and tactical nous proved too much for the Irish.
A Tight First Half
The first half was a closely fought affair, with both teams putting in strong performances. Ireland started brightly and took the lead through a penalty from Johnny Sexton. However, the All Blacks quickly responded with a try from Rieko Ioane, which was converted by Beauden Barrett. Ireland then regained the lead through a try from Hugo Keenan, but the All Blacks went into halftime with a narrow 13-10 advantage thanks to a penalty from Barrett.
The All Blacks Take Control in the Second Half
The second half saw the All Blacks take control of the game. They were more clinical in attack and their defense was much more solid. They extended their lead through a penalty from Barrett and then scored their second try through a powerful run from Ardie Savea.
Despite a late rally from Ireland, which included a try from James Lowe, the All Blacks held on for a deserved victory.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand's dominance: The All Blacks showcased their dominance with a performance that demonstrated their experience and tactical intelligence. Their defense was relentless, and their attack was full of pace and precision.
- Ireland's fight: Ireland displayed great spirit and determination throughout the match. They were unlucky not to get a better result, but they were ultimately undone by a lack of composure in key moments.
- Individual brilliance: Both teams featured some incredible individual performances, including a standout effort from Rieko Ioane and a dynamic showing from Ardie Savea.
This game served as a reminder of the high quality of international rugby and the challenge that awaits teams against the All Blacks. It also highlighted the incredible potential of the Irish team, who will be looking to build on this performance and make their mark on the international stage in the coming years.