Damian McKenzie excelled as New Zealand’s fly-half, earning man of the match for his precise kicking and strong defensive contributions. The All Blacks demonstrated a robust defense, winning 92 rucks and limiting Ireland’s scoring opportunities. Despite some early struggles, New Zealand controlled the match, with Will Jordan extending their lead. Ireland’s performance was marred by 21 handling errors and the absence of experienced fly-half Johnny Sexton, highlighting the need for improvement as they seek to regain their form.
Highlights of the Match
McKenzie Shines Bright
Damian McKenzie, the New Zealand fly-half, was rightfully awarded the title of man of the match. With an impressive kicking accuracy of 6 out of 8 attempts, he made very few mistakes throughout the game. His performance was well-rounded, featuring six defenders beaten and five successful tackles. Stepping in at the last moment for Beauden Barrett, who was sidelined due to a concussion, McKenzie delivered an exceptional performance, which poses a challenge for France moving forward.
Sturdy New Zealand Defense
France’s backs should take note: they will need to elevate their game to navigate through this formidable New Zealand defense. Ireland managed to capitalize on a single significant phase early in the second half to score their try in the 42nd minute. The All Blacks showcased their defensive prowess with 92 rucks won compared to Ireland’s 58, along with only 14 missed tackles. A prime example of their defensive strength was evident when Savea won the ball on the ground in the 74th minute, thwarting Ireland’s attempts to break through after multiple minutes of pressure in the 22-meter area.
A Calculated Approach
Although it took a while for the All Blacks to find their rhythm, they ultimately showcased their skills efficiently. Will Jordan sealed Ireland’s fate in the 68th minute, extending the lead to ten points. While not a flawless exhibition, Ardie Savea and his teammates managed to maintain control of the match from the 25th minute onward, despite a brief lapse after halftime. With a total of 459 meters gained, it’s clear that halting this well-oiled machine is no easy feat.
Areas for Improvement
Unforced Errors: 21 Handling Mistakes
Andy Farrell’s squad struggled with ball handling, recording a staggering 21 errors alongside 13 penalties conceded. This allowed the All Blacks multiple scoring opportunities, particularly benefiting McKenzie, who capitalized by scoring 18 points from penalties. Ireland’s lack of confidence was evident, impacting their performance on both ends of the field. With only 200 meters gained while carrying the ball, they can consider themselves fortunate to have scored a single try.
Sexton’s Absence Felt
After nearly 15 years of having exceptional fly-halves, Ireland is currently facing a dry spell. Both Crowley and Frawley fell short of the high standards set by their predecessors. Frawley, who entered the match in the second half, experienced a challenging outing at Aviva Stadium, dropping several passes. It’s crucial for Ireland to bounce back quickly, as performances like Friday night’s do not reflect the caliber expected from a top-three world team.