‘An absolute grind': Former All Blacks react to famous win over Ireland

Former All Blacks Steven Bates and Angus Ta’avao have praised New Zealand’s stunning 23-13 win over Ireland on Friday evening. The All Blacks ended Ireland’s incredible 19-match unbeaten run in Dublin, with Damian McKenzie delivering a Player of the Match performance.

Following last weekend’s thrilling two-point win over England at London’s Allianz Stadium, the All Blacks looked to make it two-from-two in the Autumn Nations Series. But the challenge that awaited them was immense, with the world’s top-ranked side Ireland out for revenge.

New Zealand and Ireland last played in the quarter-finals of last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, with the All Blacks taking out that one in an all-time classic. But a lot has changed for both teams since then, and the New Zealanders had a bit of a point to prove under Scott Robertson.

McKenzie stood out with a decisive 18-point haul, which had the All Blacks in the box seat with about 15 minutes left to play. With the match in the balance, the visitors made it a two-score game with fullback Will Jordan crossing for another try against the Irish.

Ireland mounted a late attack on the back of a monstrous 50/22 from winger James Lowe, but their efforts were in vain against the All Blacks’ wall-like defence. For the first time since 2016, the All Blacks have beaten Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

“I want to pay credit to the All Blacks, I thought they were outstanding, and I thought the way that they won, they got into a grind and they’re able to win the grind which is really promising for them,” former Test backrower Steven Bates said on Sky Sport New Zealand.

“If I’m honest with you, I didn’t think Ireland were great tonight. That’s not the Irish team that I thought was going to run out and play. I know it’s their first game but still, take nothing away from the All Blacks – they won in a grind today.

“… That’s what’s probably even more impressive about it… it was just an absolute grind against a side that has our number and we’ve gotten over the top of them.”

On the back of a tense start to the Test, Ireland’s Jack Crowley opened the scoring with a successful penalty attempt in the seventh minute. But the All Blacks hit back with three penalties from McKenzie as they raced out to a hard-fought 9-3 lead.

But one of the key moments in the first term prompted a momentum shift, with Jordie Barrett sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Garry Ringrose. The Irish scored the next 10 points, including a try to star flanker Josh van der Flier two minutes into the second half.

The All Blacks needed to respond and they did just that. McKenzie added another nine points to New Zealand’s score, and then Jordan crossed for the visitors’ sole try of the contest – with the fullback having scored in every Test he’s played against the Irish.

“It was definitely a war of attrition out there. They’re building confidence, they’re heading in the right direction,” former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao added.

“After that yellow card, one try – I sort of feel like it galvanised when Roigard came back on and steadied up the ship, Jordie came back on. They just felt settled and the continued errors from Ireland gave us opportunities to build momentum.”