New Zealand 40–21 Ireland: match report & highlights

Full-time: New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland

New Zealand dominated Ireland in a Nations Championship clash, with the All Blacks establishing control early and maintaining their advantage throughout. Patrick Tuipulotu opened the scoring in the first quarter, and the hosts continued to build momentum through tries from Ardie Savea and Will Jordan. Ireland showed some fight when Jack Conan crossed the line, but New Zealand's relentless attack proved too much, with Asafo Aumua extending the lead before halftime to give the All Blacks a commanding twenty-one-point advantage at the break.

The second half saw flashes of Irish resilience as Joe McCarthy scored shortly after the restart, followed by Hugo Keenan's effort, but New Zealand refused to relent. Damian McKenzie added another try in the fifty-sixth minute, and despite Ireland's attempts to claw back into the contest, the All Blacks' attacking prowess was simply too potent. Anton Lienert-Brown's late try in the seventy-ninth minute sealed a convincing victory, highlighting New Zealand's superior execution and clinical finishing in what was a one-sided encounter at the Nations Championship.

Key moments

79' 79' Try: Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand) — New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland
63' 63' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 35 – 21 Ireland
63' 63' Try: Hugo Keenan (Ireland) — New Zealand 35 – 19 Ireland
57' 57' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 35 – 14 Ireland
56' 56' Try: Damian McKenzie (New Zealand) — New Zealand 33 – 14 Ireland
45' 45' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 28 – 14 Ireland
45' 45' Try: Joe McCarthy (Ireland) — New Zealand 28 – 12 Ireland
40' 40' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 28 – 7 Ireland
39' 39' Try: Asafo Aumua (New Zealand) — New Zealand 26 – 7 Ireland
36' 36' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 21 – 7 Ireland
35' 35' Try: Will Jordan (New Zealand) — New Zealand 19 – 7 Ireland
34' 34' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 14 – 7 Ireland
33' 33' Try: Jack Conan (Ireland) — New Zealand 14 – 5 Ireland
25' 25' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 14 – 0 Ireland
24' 24' Try: Ardie Savea (New Zealand) — New Zealand 12 – 0 Ireland
15' 15' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 7 – 0 Ireland
15' 15' Try: Patrick Tuipulotu (New Zealand) — New Zealand 5 – 0 Ireland

View the full match centre →

Highlights

Other newsletters you might like

Love Castles

Apart from the fascinating and rich history of castles, people love to visit them for their majestic beauty. From the imposing stone walls to the beautiful architecture, there is something captivating about these grand structures.

Love Spain

Love Spain — in your inbox. Iconic cities, hidden pueblos and the best places to visit in Spain. One short email, every day.

Scottish Rugby Fans

The best Scottish rugby updates, straight to your inbox — Six Nations, the Nations Championship, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Only when there's something worth reading.

My Local Dublin

The Dublin you don't see from a tour bus — local stories, hidden gems, food, events and the best of the city, by locals for locals.

Newsletters via the One Two Three Send network. · Want your newsletter featured here? Click here