This marked the first meeting between Andy Farrell’s side and the formidable All Blacks since last year’s narrow 28-24 World Cup quarter-final loss in France. A try from full-back Will Jordan—the 37th of his international career—combined with six penalties from fly-half Damian McKenzie, dashed Ireland’s hopes for a measure of revenge.
Having won five of their last nine encounters with New Zealand, Ireland entered the match with confidence but appeared rusty throughout much of the sold-out Aviva Stadium clash. The game was more bruising than thrilling, with the Six Nations champions unable to build on Josh van der Flier’s early second-half try, alongside eight points from Jack Crowley, as they slipped from the top of the world rankings.
Anticipation for the match was fuelled by memories of last year’s dramatic showdown in France, with the once one-sided fixture now evolving into a genuine rivalry. Amid this backdrop, Kiwi centre Rieko Ioane, often cast as a “villain” after a past confrontation with former Irish captain Johnny Sexton, faced a few jeers while leading the Haka.
The Irish team stared down the All Blacks’ challenge before advancing to meet them.
Andrew Porter’s early charge-down energized the crowd, as Crowley and McKenzie traded penalties in a scrappy opening phase riddled with errors. New Zealand dominated much of the first half, forcing Ireland to defend against repeated attacks. Scott Robertson’s team took a narrow
9-6 lead into halftime after McKenzie’s penalties, while Crowley cut into the deficit following a yellow card for Jordie Barrett, who was penalized for a high tackle on Garry Ringrose.
Ireland briefly gained momentum in the second half, with Van der Flier’s try capping off a strong start. Yet, New Zealand quickly pulled back, with McKenzie landing another long-range penalty and nearly another moments later. Ireland’s frequent penalties proved costly, and the flow of the game shifted away from them.
McKenzie, standing in for the concussed Beauden Barrett, kept Ireland at bay with two further penalties, leaving the hosts trailing 18-13 with just 15 minutes to go. Farrell’s squad struggled to mount a response, ultimately facing their first home defeat since France’s victory over them in the 2021 Six Nations.
While Hugo Keenan’s tackle momentarily stopped Mark Tele’a on the right wing, New Zealand quickly recycled the ball, allowing Jordan to burst through on the left and seal Ireland’s fate.
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