A frustrating watch….
The All Blacks have beaten Ireland by 26-13 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Andy Farrell’s men had plenty of opportunities to put day light between the teams, but New Zealand stayed in the game and pulled away in the last quarter.
Player ratings below.
Andrew Porter – 6
Not one of his better showings, with Ireland’s set piece failing to fire.
Got around the pitch well to make 8 tackles.
Dan Sheehan – 5
Such a disappointing showing from the man many feel is the best hooker in the world.
The lineout was a shambles for most of the game, and we saw little in the loose.
Tadhg Furlong – 7
He is certainly nearing his best, at least in the loose.
Scrum wasn’t where Ireland would have wanted it, however.
James Ryan – 6
Rucked and defended well, but was part of a misfiring lineout.
Tadhg Beirne – 3
Not really fair to rate Munster’s captain, considering he was shown a yellow – before it was upgraded to red – after just three minutes.
Some fans were livid at the harshness of the referee’s call, but Beirne’s height probably could have been lower.
Ryan Baird – 7.5
A dogged performance with two excellent lineout steals. Just what the doctor ordered after the retirement of Peter O’Mahony.
Has secured his place at blindside for the time being.
Josh van der Flier – 7
Was everywhere in the first half, and finished as Ireland’s top tackler, with a turnover to boot.
Jack Conan – 7
Had a really impressive first half, and, along with Stuart McCloskey, was Ireland’s main source of go-forward ball.
Will likely be an impact sub after Caelan Doris’ return.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5
One shocking cross-field aside, it was a mesmeric performance with the boot.
Showed why he is still Ireland’s No.1.
Jack Crowley – 5
Looked confidence and assured in his swagger, but there were far too many wayward moments.
He tried three dinks with Ireland in great positions, none of which came off.
James Lowe – 6.5
A solid showing from the Leinster wing.
Had to clean up a lot of messy ball in the backfield.
Stuart McCloskey – 8
Was a surprise choice at inside centre, but brought his provincial form to the green of Ireland.
Was everywhere, particularly in the opening 40; bumping defenders, making hard yards with multiple men hanging off him, throwing offloads, and even cleaning up ball in the backfield.
Garry Ringrose – 6
Led the line well in defence for the most, and nailed a few All Blacks with big hits, but missed a crucial hit which led to the opposition’s third try.
Struggled to get it going in attack, but he was not to blame.
Tommy O’Brien – 6.5
Gave his typical dogged performance; chasing every ball like a mad man, and flying into tackles and rucks.
Caleb Clarke should have been shown a yellow card for a high hit on the Leinster man.
Jamie Osborne – 6.5
Didn’t have much to do for a lot of the game, but performed well in the air when called upon.
Was nearly put through a gap by Crowley and should have held onto the ball.
Replacements:
Rónan Kelleher – 5
Paddy McCarthy – 5
Finlay Bealham – 5
Iain Henderson – 5
Caelan Doris – 6
Craig Casey – 6
Sam Prendergast – 4
Bundee Aki – 4
