New Zealand 21 - Ireland 11
Welcome back!
New Zealand were too good tonight against Ireland in a game played in wet and windy conditions. New Zealand and Ireland were locked at 8-8 at half time but the All Blacks prevailed in the second half thanks to the boot of Dan Carter.
The All Blacks can consider themselves lucky to win by 10 after being locked at 11-11 with 20 minutes to play. The All Blacks scored two tries to one, but it was the break that Carter made that setup the key try in the second half to Nonu that clinched victory for the home side. Ireland can consider themselves a tad unlucky after Shane Horgan was called back when in the clear for a knock on when it looked as though the ball came off the boot.
Once again it was Dan Carter that proved the difference, not just with the boot but also his control of the game when it mattered. Ireland can be proud of their effort as the defence held up well and the lineout with the All Blacks was evenly balanced. Ireland will play the Wallabies next week and it will be interesting to see how the new look Wallabies perform against a resilient Ireland team.
New Zealand 21
Tries: Nonu, Sivivatu
Goals: Carter, 1 conversion, 3 penalties
Ireland 11
Tries: Wallace
Goals: O’Gara, 2 conversions
All Blacks vs Ireland - Preview
The first major test of the southern hemisphere international rugby season kicks off on Saturday the 7th June 2008. The New Zealand All Blacks take on the team from Ireland, both teams will aim to reverse the poor performances of their last test matches. New Zealand were bustled out of the World Cup by France in the quarter finals and Ireland came fourth in the Six Nations.
Both teams will be keen to deliver their best performance and we can expect a tough and combative match. Rain has been forecast for the game and with the All Blacks at home they will be hard to beat. I am tipping an All Black win by 13 points. With the wet weather the game will be determined by the winner at the breakdown, for Ireland the All Blacks have too many big gun players and Richie McCaw who’s workrate and consistency continues to amaze will lead the All Blacks strongly. I suspect Brian O’Driscoll will have to have a blinder for Ireland to be a chance and Ronan O’Gara will have to take every single chance he get’s at goal if Ireland are to seriously challenge for victory.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Res: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald, Adam Thomson
Ireland: Robert Kearney, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll (captain), Paddy Wallace, Tommy Bowe, Ronan O’Gara, Eoin Reddan, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Denis Leamy, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan. Res: Girvan Dempsey, Geordan Murphy, Peter Stringer, Shane Jennings, Mick O’Driscoll, Tony Buckley, Rory Best.