4,755 readsSaturday’s third New Zealand-Ireland rugby clash might seem like a dead Test with the series secured for NZ, but the firey Irish came within moments of securing a famous victory in the second Test. Join us for live scores and blog from 5:35pm AEST of a big third Test.
The home side were stung after almost losing the second Test, and Ireland are desperate to secure their first victory over the All Blacks after coming so close in Christchurch.
This makes the Hamilton game is anything but a dead rubber.
“We were disappointed we didn’t perform as well as we did the week before, but we were up against an Irish team that were up a step,” All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said.
“We’ve got to make sure that we progress.”
McCaw admits there’s been an extra edge to training since the 22-19 scare in Christchurch.
“We thought we had a good week last week but, in hindsight, it didn’t have the same feel as the week before,” he said.
“It certainly put everyone’s feet firmly on the ground.”
The Irish players looked deflated in Christchurch after failing to get the win, but assistant coach Les Kiss says they’re ready to face a hungrier All Blacks side.
“We’ve looked to ramp up the areas that we thought we were good in, and make sure we cover some of the areas where we gave them easy possession.
“If we can get on top of those things, it’ll be a good game.”
Ireland have made three changes to their starting team and the All Blacks six, though both teams had their hand forced by injuries.
The injury to All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter is on paper the most notable, but Aaron Cruden confidently filled in for him in the World Cup and No.8 Kieran Read’s injury might be more significant.
Read’s power will be missed, but McCaw has confidence he can do the job at No.8.
“At the end of the day, apart from a little bit of stuff at set piece time, you don’t change your game a whole lot.”
- With NZN.
The Crowd Says (189) | Page 1 of Comments
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7:54pm
Demon Dez said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Royce mate, I can’t hear you…..
5:45pm
Jarmen said | 5:45pm | Report comment
Only a few days ago I was scorned for even daring to suggest that the Irish had played their test match in Christchurch.
The result was inevitable the All Blacks were always going to want pay back as they weren’t happy with their efforts in the South.
I thought a thumping would be on the cards but even I didn’t expect it to be by 60pts.
These reults mean little in the wider context of the RC that is a whole two months away and that is plenty of time for players to recover from injury or players to be injured.
7:39am
Shungmao said | 7:39am | Report comment
Awesome, awesome awesome! But geez Ireland layed down and embarrassed themselves ! I hope the SBW haters suck it up, and Ritchie is such a competitor. That result doesn’t mean SA and Wallabies are gone at all, will be an awesome rugby championship.
10:55am
KiwiDave said | 10:55am | Report comment
I just hope SBW stays with the All Blacks and NZ rugby. He would be wasted going back to the NRL and it would be a huge backward step for him. If he needs the money, go play rugby in Japan. Heard he has a $1.5 mill offer for 1 season. If he wants fame, stick with the All Blacks. The NRL has nothing that Rugby can offer him. All it can offer him is mediocrity within a battling Roosters or Eels side.
11:19am
Mike said | 11:19am | Report comment
Well said.
1:26pm
jason said | 1:26pm | Report comment
hear hear.
5:25am
mania said | 5:25am | Report comment
richie is still the man. cane is the heir apparent. the kid made 20 tackles when he was taken off. often saw him and richie in tandem putting in tackles or clearing / securing rucks.
richie was trieless and dominated.
7:26am
flying hori said | 7:26am | Report comment
Huh, wheres Strauss? No comments? Must have seen the final score between the Boks and Poms and now realises he best keep his pathetic comments about the ABs to himself.
2:17am
matthew said | 2:17am | Report comment
What an awful rugby match I’m witnessing ATM between the Boks and England in Port Elizabeth. The AB’s would probably put a similar score on both teams the way they’ve played today. Horrible waste of time
2:04am
chuck said | 2:04am | Report comment
Like I said on the other thread (extra all black edge for the third test) they were going too throw the kitchen sink at Ireland and McCaw will lead from the front nothing worse then a wounded all black team Piri came at the right time it brought them back too refocusing on the game and lets start with the tempo down a gear and gradually moving back up and they did and people saying this is ab second string team for those who think like that get a life
5:46pm
Jarmen said | 5:46pm | Report comment
So did I chuck and as I said above I was scorned and basically laughed at for even daring to have such an opinion.
10:07pm
Taniwha said | 10:07pm | Report comment
A pretty conclusive display by AB’s, clinical all the way. Real show starts in two months with the rugby championship. Thought still some area’s of concern, scrum seemed a bit up and down and hard to get a read on some players like Messam (as some of Bok roarers have pointed out – though same could be said of Spies at tri nation level).
Last few weeks of super quite interesting now. Crusaders quite banged up, and announced tonight that Kahui having surgery Monday (so presume gone for season) and Cruden has an Achilles complain – severity not known. So two NZ front runners have challenges to negotiate!
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9:25pm
Damien said | 9:25pm | Report comment
I’m not sure if I heard BOD correctly during his after match.
Did he say that he was off to Queenstown to get some ‘fur burger’…LOL
10:22pm
atlas said | 10:22pm | Report comment
yes – the fur burger – that had me interested. since seen an explanation on another site – there is a takeaway shop in Queenstown called Ferg’s Burgers.
or maybe we did hear right!
10:38pm
Damien said | 10:38pm | Report comment
That explains it !!
What were you thinking..LOL
11:13pm
winston said | 11:13pm | Report comment
best burger I ever had
6:02am
Kuruki said | 6:02am | Report comment
Haha it could be true it is a bit cold for anything other then a fur burger down there.
7:56pm
Red Block said | 7:56pm | Report comment
Don’t expect Wallabies or Boks to roll over so easily? Books especially will target ABs forwards who are looking a bit soft without Thorn and Kaino.
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8:08pm
Dwayne said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Sounds like more fear to me. Thorn out, Romano in. Kaino out, Messam in.
8:12pm
Royce Strauss said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Aren’t we a little chest beater? Messam isn’t international quality. That’s why Henry dropped him after being exposed in 2009. Romano? Eben Etzebeth. Now sit down.
8:16pm
Ben S said | 8:16pm | Report comment
You mean the same Etzebeth who has played around 40 minutes of good Test rugby, or do you mean another Etzebeth?
8:24pm
Royce Strauss said | 8:24pm | Report comment
Oh.. starting to attack my comments after I made that accurate assessment on the Celtic nations? Grow up Bennard.
How many games has Ramano had? Comparing a rookie with a rookie. See how that works? Mkay?
Etzebeth has big shoes to fill (filling in for Matfield and Botha – two of the best ever) and many, including myself, can see he will be around for many years. His rise has been amazingly quick.
But yes, don’t get snippy at me.
8:28pm
Ben S said | 8:28pm | Report comment
I can see you have an outstanding, if quirky, sense of humour. Well done, sir. I consider myself well and truly Punk’d.
10:35pm
dcnz said | 10:35pm | Report comment
Its just a pity your coach is going with a limited game plan, the Boks could be so much more entertaining ….or can they?
6:05am
Kuruki said | 6:05am | Report comment
If Etzebeth has big shoes to fill maybe he should ask Romano for some help. He has size 17 feet.
8:40pm
Royce Strauss said | 8:40pm | Report comment
What was funny about what I said? We aren’t in an all girl’s boarding school Ben, and I’m not a 12 year old girl. Your snippy little remarks without backing anything up have zero effect on me.
8:52pm
Ben S said | 8:52pm | Report comment
Wink wink.
9:07pm
Damien said | 9:07pm | Report comment
I’m not sure whats gotten you hot under the collar Royce but maybe you shouldn’t take everything so seriously.
This evening you’ve :
- Called the Celtic Unions ‘cowardly’
- Sarcastically congratulated the AB’s for having the skill ‘to run against semi committed players.’
- Fired some nice shots at SBW for ‘making a mockery of the jersey’ when the pressure is on, and just generally hating on the man.
- Tried to put down Ben S by telling him to “Sit Down’ when he had the audacity to question Etzebeth, despite your earlier posts.
- Fired some shots at Messam as well for not being up to it. Maybe true but he’s improved alot from the player that got dropped.
- Then the whole ‘girls boarding school’ thing ?
What gives ? Surely you don’t hold that much against the AB’s and their supporters..
5:37am
mania said | 5:37am | Report comment
damien – ignorance is bliss. leave him to it . must be nice in warm where he is.
6:26am
mania said | 6:26am | Report comment
royce – your not a 12 year old girl?!? oh, how old are you?
9:01pm
Royce Strauss said | 9:01pm | Report comment
Point proven. Looks like I win this one.
9:07pm
nick said | 9:07pm | Report comment
Simple pleasures
6:07am
Kuruki said | 6:07am | Report comment
At least Messam got dropped and told to work on his game. Spies however is still pretending. Im surprised PDV did not put him in a tutu after Read made him look like a 12 year old school girl.
9:07pm
nick said | 9:07pm | Report comment
2009 was a while ago now Royce. Messam has brought something new to his game this season and looks like he might go on with it at his PREFERRED position which is 6. Henry wouldn’t often play him there but with Kaino gone he’s got a shot.
Romano looks the goods too, very tall and tough. Your Boks will be wise to have a bit more respect than you when and if they play these particular fellas.
9:22am
Swapacrate said | 9:22am | Report comment
Is Ireland an international team, sometimes its the top 6 inches, and messam , has quelled that tonight.
7:56pm
Jason Cave said | 7:56pm | Report comment
The All Blacks has sent an chilling warning to Australia, South Africa & Argentina that there is no World Cup hangover about the 2012 All Blacks, and also the Wallabies, Springboks and the Pumas will need to lift their game if they want to defeat NZ.
7:41pm
Johnno said | 7:41pm | Report comment
Read this article in the Irish times. Irleand have had one of the longest rugby seasons imaginable in pro sport. Unbeleivable. 17 tests in calendar year, no wonder they are exhausted. All the more reason to argue for a global rugby calendar.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0623/1224318511095.html
8:51pm
Snobby Deans said | 8:51pm | Report comment
No-one was rolling out that excuse last week, so now – only 7 days later – it’s suddenly relevant?
Don’t the Sth Hemisphere teams play a good 10 – 11 months a year (including EOYT and pre-seasons)?
Wouldn’t this be the same for Wales and England also?
10:31pm
atlas said | 10:31pm | Report comment
All Blacks have played 15 tests since July 2011 (and won 13 of them!); Wallabies 17; Springboks 11.
Wales played their 19th test today since August 2011.
17 for Ireland is not unbelievable.
10:20am
Richie (Melbourne) said | 10:20am | Report comment
Agree on a global rugby calendar – preferably spanning the back ends of both seasons. But it does make it hard to have money-spinning local competitions running at advantageous times.
Most of the teams would’ve played higher levels of test in the last calendar year though, with the World Cup on?
7:32pm
Kuruki said | 7:32pm | Report comment
Some brilliant performances in that game. Cruden Cane and SBW started the night off on their home paddock and it just rolled on from there.
Cruden was outstanding and layed on just about every one of the 26 points that were scored before he left the paddock.
Romano and Messam brought a real physical presence, our loose forwards tackled hard turned big D into turnovers and counter attacked from that.
Sam Cane just looks like one of those guys made for the pressure of test rugby, he really got involved more and more on attack as the game went on, linking very well.
Improvement in the scrum but still not great.
SBW needs another mention he was absolutely outstanding.
Very excited by the way the new guys slotted into the team and rumbled along nicely. The introduction of new players did not seem to hinder the attack much at all. The way Cruden and SBW combined early in that game, Hansen is going to have a massive selection headache in the near future.
Oh and A Smith has arrived. Nz now has a clear number one halfback.
10:12pm
Riccardo said | 10:12pm | Report comment
Gidday Kuruki,
Thought Cruden was excellent and his combination with SBW was just a pleasure to watch. We lose nothing with Dan on the sidelines which is great for the All Blacks.
SBW looked the best I have seen him. Penetrative, geat defence, some off-loading, but more passing and that chip kick just shows how much promise he could have at this level.
Sam Cane was simply brilliant. Considering he generally plays off the pine behind Latimer for the chiefs his meteoric rise is something to behold and some sharp-eyed selector deserves some etra pudding.
Thought Romano’s debut was excellent and Whitelock is delivering consistently at this level but Retallick is all class and is the future if he can continue that workrate.
Saw the Irish power over us once or twice and definitely work for Cron at the set-piece, but it was still noticeably better than last week. Irish front row are no slouches at this level either, although the bigger worry remains the Boks.
All in all, a pretty good answer to last week’s mediocrity.
Bring on the rugby championship…
11:53pm
Jutsie said | 11:53pm | Report comment
Cruden was bloody awesome, shame he went of so early. That little dummy and the offload to SBW whilst falling in the tackle was impressive.
Best game Ive seen SBW play for the blacks, im one of his big critics usually but tonite he was impressive.
6:13am
Kuruki said | 6:13am | Report comment
I think it was also Cruden who flicked the offload to Cane for his first try if i remember rightly. I think he has been training with SBW to much.
7:32pm
AndyS said | 7:32pm | Report comment
Well, conclusion seems obvious – the ABs need to drop that Carter bloke ‘cos he’s just holding them back…
7:36pm
Johnno said | 7:36pm | Report comment
lol that is the troll of the year Andy S lol . Oh i have an even even better one.
-Shane Warne should be dropped for Stuart Mcgill, and Jonah Lomu was overrated lol how are those 2 lines.
7:43pm
nickoldschool said | 7:43pm | Report comment
Dan who? still, it’s scary to think Hansen could put him on the bench and that wouldnt be a shocker. Cruden had the best 25 minutes i had ever seen a 5/8 play in a long time.
7:25pm
Ben S said | 7:25pm | Report comment
Wow. Big performance. Ireland looked pretty shagged, so hard to take any concrete conclusions, but was v.impressed with Romano and Cane. I was impressed with Messam too, but I don’t think he’s be playing as well against SA, for example. Shame Cruden went off as he looked so alert and dangerous and seemed to be bringing out the best in Williams. Shame for O’Driscoll to sign off in NZ on that note, but such is life.
7:33pm
Johnno said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Even more stocking when you consider the team missing so many 1st players, people like SBW who is part of the bench or 2nds squad here it goes.
-No Ma Nonu , SBW the 2nd’s option had to do a fill in job
-No Brad thorn
-No Kieren Reid
-No Kaino
-No Nick Evans he has been carving it up in the HEK cup is in reaity the 2nd best 5/8 NZ have
-No steve donald the 3rd best option
No Carl Hayman still NZ best prop he was amazing in french rugby this year
So a lot of class missing and the depth is still there. And
7:46pm
Kuruki said | 7:46pm | Report comment
Johnno of all those players you named only Read is relevant. SBW is playing better then Nonu and he is currently the number 1 12 in NZ. Read was the only player you named that would have started that game had he been fit.
7:51pm
Johnno said | 7:51pm | Report comment
Disagree Carl Hayman would still make the starting side as would thorn.
8:11pm
Damien said | 8:11pm | Report comment
Hayman,Thorn, Donald, Evans are not eligible to play for the AB’s.
Kaino is out for the season with injury and is off to Japan next year.
You may as well have put Lomu’s name in amongst them too.
You can’t make do with what you haven’t got..
9:09pm
nick said | 9:09pm | Report comment
Hayman wouldn’t get close. He’s barley holding down a starting spot in the NH as it is. Long gone and Owen Franks is a better player than Hayman was at this age and in 5-6 years might go down as one of the best ever
6:16am
Kuruki said | 6:16am | Report comment
Im not saying Hayman would not make the team i’m just saying there is no point mentioning them as improvements to the team because they are not in contention nor will be ever again, well maybe Kaino in 2 years.
10:34pm
atlas said | 10:34pm | Report comment
Kieran Read yes; add Victor Vito, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui who will be back playing in the final Super rounds to prove fitness for August tests. Ma’a Nonu is in the current squad, available, just not selected to play.
11:11pm
Pot Hale said | 11:11pm | Report comment
Ireland needed to have a full-strength squad to even contemplate a June series. The lack of depth in comparison to NZ is scary.
The madness of these June tours will continue unfortunately.
12:37am
Ben S said | 12:37am | Report comment
I don’t see the issue from the Irish perspective though, Pot? Some years you have injuries, some you don’t. Take Wales and Australia as an example.
8:32am
Pot Hale said | 8:32am | Report comment
Well Ireland arrived on a tour missing four first team player. The back-ups they have aren’t good enough. NZ break out a new squad and had out first caps to a few and they thrash Ireland 60-0. It’s men against boys stuff. Ireland were just abject today.
9:09am
Damo said | 9:09am | Report comment
Commiserations pothale. Seems like last week was their best and only chance.
Very sad for Odriscoll.
Thought the sin bin was a bit harsh in the circumstances
6:00am
mania said | 6:00am | Report comment
damo – “Thought the sin bin was a bit harsh in the circumstances” it was downright uncalled for. totally ruined any chance of the irish trying to regain some pride. the ref i reckon took umbrage from being knocked down earlier by the greens.
7:23pm
nickoldschool said | 7:23pm | Report comment
In a league of their own. Aaron Smith brings so much space to the team! They are just a (big) notch faster, more skilled and clinical than the others.
7:29pm
KiwiDave said | 7:29pm | Report comment
Yep. Aaron Smith is great and when TJ Perenera and Tawera Kerr Barlow get their chances we will have oodles of depth in a position we have been weak for the last 5 years
7:36pm
nickoldschool said | 7:36pm | Report comment
meant speed (or pace!).
.
11:50pm
WQ said | 11:50pm | Report comment
In my opinion he is the best thing that could have happened post RWC2012
7:22pm
Johnno said | 7:22pm | Report comment
Is Ma Nonu injured he has not even been on the bench this series where is he. Or has he just been dropped plain and simple.
7:25pm
KiwiDave said | 7:25pm | Report comment
They decided to rest him because he had a few niggling injuries. Nothing to keep him out of selection but just a long term maintenance of a player we will need for the four nations. We have the depth now to do good player management in pretty much every position on the ground and Hansen is doing this beautifully.
7:27pm
ohtani's jacket said | 7:27pm | Report comment
He was rested because he played in Japan after the WC instead of having an off-season.
7:30pm
Johnno said | 7:30pm | Report comment
naughty Ma. Going for big pay day rather than getting a solid off season. naughty boy.
7:40pm
Kuruki said | 7:40pm | Report comment
Silly boy. He left the door open for SBW and Sonny has just taken his jersey off him. Nonu will need to fire in the Super 15 for the rest of the year otherwise SBW will start the next test and Nonu will take the scraps.
9:10pm
nick said | 9:10pm | Report comment
Once Nonu is rested he’ll come back in for SBW, he’s still the incumbent. Still the better player when on form.
SBW will have the jersey for himself in the years to come, if he’s still around and wants it.
6:21am
Kuruki said | 6:21am | Report comment
I don’t think Nonu will start the first match of the Rugby Championship to be honest. Unless he can show he has hit form again before then, You don’t sit SBW on the bench after a game like that. I’m sure Hansen and co know this is the time where SBW is weighing up his future. If he gets a sniff that Nonu is going to come in and sit him on the pine even after playing his best ever game in a Black jersey then they will probably lose him.
8:38am
Damien said | 8:38am | Report comment
The Rugby Championship will be an interesting time for SBW because Ramadan is from 20 July to 18 August.
That is around the finals time so I wonder how SBW will handle this, if he takes it up like he did last year.
The first Rugby Championship game is after Ramadan so it will also be interesting how the AB selectors handle it as well..
8:44am
Jerry said | 8:44am | Report comment
The sun is currently going down at about 5:15pm, so even in July/August, he’ll have enough time to eat and get some energy prior to a 7:30 kickoff. If the Chiefs have any 5:30 matches it will be interesting though.
8:52am
Damien said | 8:52am | Report comment
Very true but I reckon it would still affect his game.
If he plays well during this time, that would be scary..
6:03am
mania said | 6:03am | Report comment
bit harsh. nonu and rudiWulf are the only backs performing for the blues. nonu’s still playing well just for a loser super team. nonu still has the goods.
but glad hansen rested him. funny that a player like nonu gets called up to the AB’s just so he can have a rest.
7:27pm
KiwiDave said | 7:27pm | Report comment
Good to see all the players post match walking the boundary signing autographs 10 minutes after the end.
7:19pm
ohtani's jacket said | 7:19pm | Report comment
Don’t think anyone could have picked that. Just an absolute arse kicking.
7:19pm
Alistair Hogg said | 7:19pm | Report comment
FULL TIME: New Zealand 60 d. Ireland 0.
A night to forget for Ireland. The All Blacks looked intent on to making a statement and they did exactly that. Three tries to the home side quashed Irish hopes before 15 minutes had even elapsed and it only got worse from there with the Kiwis piling on six more tries to complete a resounding victory and a 3-0 series sweep.
Aaron Cruden was the key instigator early before submitting to injury in the first half. Sonny Bill Williams played arguably his best game in a black jersey and Sam Cane bagged a double in his first start.
It’s Ireland’s worst defeat against the All Blacks since 1924 as they board the plane bruised, battered and wondering how it all went so wrong after such a resilient effort last week despite losing. New Zealand retains its unbeaten status against Ireland and will go into The Rugby Championship bristling with confidence, ready to face their southern hemisphere foes.
7:17pm
KiwiDave said | 7:17pm | Report comment
This is the way to respond to the embarrassing performance of last week. A 60-0 drubbing. I think the IRB might need to look at splitting NZ into the North and South Island if they ever want the NH teams to be competitive with them.
7:14pm
Johnno said | 7:14pm | Report comment
R.I.P Irish rugby. This match and loss tonight will send Irish rugby back 20 years. A very sad evening tonight for the people of Irleand.
7:21pm
Je Geniko said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Ireland did not deserve this scoreline, not after last week’s effort.
7:23pm
ohtani's jacket said | 7:23pm | Report comment
Oh, c’mon Johnno. They’ll play some Autumn internationals, there will be another Six Nations and HC. It’s the end of some Irish players, but not the Irish team.
7:28pm
Johnno said | 7:28pm | Report comment
othani jacket it is terrible result.. Ireland may never recover from this loss. 60-0 othani’s jacket big loss mate vs the allbalcks showing just how big the gap is, could you imagine if that was in a world cup match and irleand lacked that intensity.
Somes say it is just end of season fatigue. But this match won’t inspire kids in munster or ulster to play rugby. They will go to gaielic football, or soccer where irleand has been getting better results. A sad sad day for Irleand.
7:29pm
Ben S said | 7:29pm | Report comment
Bearing in mind the performance last week, the result against Australia in the WC and the provincial results I doubt rugby will suddenly collapse in Ireland, Johnno.
7:32pm
Je Geniko said | 7:32pm | Report comment
Agreed. This is just a bump in the road.
7:45pm
ohtani's jacket said | 7:45pm | Report comment
It’s not like we haven’t done this to them in the past. It hurts, but not that bad.
11:53pm
WQ said | 11:53pm | Report comment
Johnno, the AB’s have been doing this to the Irish for years and most times they bounce back and beat the Wallabies!
9:01pm
Dublin Dave said | 9:01pm | Report comment
” This match and loss tonight will send Irish rugby back 20 years”
Yeah. It would be great if all New Zealand players and managers held that thought. Especially if they ever have to play Ireland in a World cup quarter final in the next few years.
Ireland will be back. We need a new coach. And we need a captain.
Take nothing away from New Zealand’s training ground runout today. They did the basic things well, at pace, with aggression and made it look easy. The hallmark of a great team.
But Ireland shot themselves in the foot from the off. Having put the All Blacks under pressure last week with a controlled kicking game, pinging it into the corners and competing like hell at the breakdown, this week we suddenly thought we’ve turned into the Harlem Globetrotters.
I don’t think Sexton kicked once today. Maybe the Irish brains trust decided “Aha. We caused them to drop both their wingers because we put them under pressure last week. They’ll be expecting us to do the same this week! Let’s give them the unexpected!”
Brilliant.
That was obviously a management call. And it was stupid. Kidney must go. He has underachieved to a job-forfeiting degree with this team.
New Zealand’s first two tries came from turnovers over easily coughed up Irish possession. O’Driscoll being the chief culprit. Fair play to the All Blacks. They punished us but having gone behind, Ireland had no clue as to how to get into the game. Changing tactics in mid match is the responsibility of the captain. O’Driscoll has never had this ability. It is unfair to criticise him for what he is not. It’s time, overdue time, for him to hand over the armband.
He still has maybe a season left as a player but his powers are fading.
We have a conveyor line of talent. Our under 20s finished fifth in the junior world cup just gone and beat the eventual champions South Africa on the way. In South Africa. Both Leinster and Ulster have several exciting young players straining at the leash to force their way into the Irish team. When properly coached, they are among the best club sides in Europe.
Today was a disaster. Last week was an agonising missed opportunity. If New Zealand lose focus against Ireland for a second, like thinking our game has been set back 20 years, they could regret it.
Yours defiantly
DD
9:18pm
Damien said | 9:18pm | Report comment
Nice summary there DD from an Irish perspective.
LOL..I like the ‘defiantly’ part. Well played..
9:14am
Je Geniko said | 9:14am | Report comment
Congratulations to the Irish U20 team. Their best finish ever at the junior worlds.
7:13pm
Alistair Hogg said | 7:13pm | Report comment
Ireland with a line-out close to the line with a couple of minutes left. Can they find some points, or will the All Blacks complete the shut out?
7:11pm
Alistair Hogg said | 7:11pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Adam Thomson adds his name to the score sheet just minutes after coming on for Sam Cane (who scored two tries and laid 20 tackles on his first start in a black jersey). That try started with Sonny Bill (again) and Barrett’s conversion sends the score to 60-0. Ireland flirting with history here – and not in a good way. Still five minutes to play.
6:59pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:59pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Israel Dagg helps himself to five points moments after looking to be injured. A delightfully weighted kick by Sonny Bill Williams sits up for the fullback to gather and score. Score is 53-0 which equals New Zealand’s largest winning margin over Ireland. How ugly will this get? The All Blacks are also just 16 points shy of their highest total score against Ireland.
6:58pm
Rabbitz said | 6:58pm | Report comment
I imagine there is more than a little disquiet amongst the Wallaby and Springbok brains trusts right about now.
A depleted and shuffled All Blacks have shown their intent.
On the strength of this display I would not be surprised if the All Blacks finish the Four Nations undefeated.
7:00pm
Royce Strauss said | 7:00pm | Report comment
Nah. If Meyer gets his selections right and the Boks are bolstered by their injured stars returning in time, I doubt this will happen.
7:07pm
Rabbitz said | 7:07pm | Report comment
Time will tell…
7:12pm
Royce Strauss said | 7:12pm | Report comment
The Celtic nations in Ireland and Wales have always been very cowardly against the All Blacks, unlike the big two in England and France. What is so different about this year?
Whenever you see Sonny Bill scoring tries in an international, you know the opposition is either not of high standard, or they don’t want to be there. Whenever any sort of pressure is around, Sonny goes dead silent or makes a mockery of the jersey.
7:20pm
Kuruki said | 7:20pm | Report comment
Royce Strauss. Your comments are laced with fear.
7:57pm
Royce Strauss said | 7:57pm | Report comment
Yes, I’m terrified. Players like super rugby level superstars in Messam, Sonny and co. have always played well against the Boks… not?
This Irish side ran their race last week. Surely you could see how low their intensity was compared to last week? They couldn’t be bothered as this was their last game of a 17 match long season.
But well done to the All Blacks. It takes skill to run against semi committed players.
10:31pm
Riccardo said | 10:31pm | Report comment
“It takes skill to run against semi committed players.”
Like England Royce?
Sit down champ; you’re hardly setting the world on fire.
There’s not a poster here that is not aware of the potential threat the Boks post under Meyer but we’re not all so arrogant as to completely disparage the other players in this tournament.
Hopefully, you’re aware of the Boks record against the Wallabies, which really isn’t that good.
How have the Boks gone on their end of year tours mate? Grand Slam? The Boks record away from home isn’t brilliant either, is it? You seem confident they have already turned this weakness around?
I take it you’re aware that the Wallabies and All Blacks, like the Boks, are carrying injuries to their starting rosters and yet you proclaim their weakness.
Based on what? Because your arguments thus far have little basis other than in the Castle Lager you appear to have had too much of…
4:42am
Demon Dez said | 4:42am | Report comment
You should be terrified Royce hahaha…. following your beloved Boks’ unimpressive 14-14 draw with Eng!!!!
7:21pm
Ben S said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Cowardly? Are you for real serious or delirious?
7:58pm
Royce Strauss said | 7:58pm | Report comment
How am I wrong?
8:08pm
Ben S said | 8:08pm | Report comment
I don’t even know where to begin, tbh… Accusing players of cowardice is a starter. Something smells like troll…
8:15pm
Royce Strauss said | 8:15pm | Report comment
They’re certainly mentally weaker than France and England. Very soft inner core.
8:33pm
Damien said | 8:33pm | Report comment
Will be interesting to see how SBW goes against the Boks if he gets a start.
Ramadan will be over then so he’ll be at full strength..
10:40pm
atlas said | 10:40pm | Report comment
England?
won six from 34 v NZ in history; in last twenty years, 3 wins in eighteen matches.
Their last win was in 2003 (I saw that game in Wellington)
Against NZ they do not come anywhere near being ‘the big two’.
7:12pm
Alistair Hogg said | 7:12pm | Report comment
I was thoroughly impressed with South Africa the last two weeks. Although the English don’t traditionally have much success in the southern hemisphere, they finally look to be putting together a side that could be a powerhouse for years to come. It’s going to be a ridiculously high-quality of winter of rugby for fans.
7:33pm
Dwayne said | 7:33pm | Report comment
You absoloutely reak of fear.
6:53pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:53pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Liam Messam joins the party on a delightful offload by Sam Cane who certainly looks to have a future at this level. Chiefs team mates combine at international level to put the All Blacks up 46-0 but Barrett surprisingly blasts an easy conversion off the left upright.
Incidentally, that was also the 100th all-time New Zealand try scored against Ireland, and what a beauty it was.
6:52pm
Kuruki said | 6:52pm | Report comment
CHIEFS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6:59pm
Kuruki said | 6:59pm | Report comment
i repeat CHIEFS !!! nice kick Sonny
6:48pm
Royce Strauss said | 6:48pm | Report comment
Not really impressive when you’re running against a team that wants to be on the plane home already.
6:50pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:50pm | Report comment
It is when you consider only 50% of the All Blacks would likely be in the first choice XV. They have given Ireland absolutely nothing tonight. It’s not as if the Irish have butchered a bucket load of chances. They have been starved of possession and territory from the get go.
6:51pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:51pm | Report comment
Yeah I agree. Can’t say that Ireland haven’t tried. They have put on a few nice moved and counter rucked well at times. They have laid their fair share of hits too. Just the All Blacks have been in brutally good form tonight.
6:56pm
Royce Strauss said | 6:56pm | Report comment
Ireland at half time were sitting on 60% possession. Their attack has been lethargic and one dimensional. Looks like they gave it their best last week and aren’t interested at all. I mean, when Japanese destroyer Sonny can stroll through your defense, you know something is up.
7:01pm
Elisha Pearce said | 7:01pm | Report comment
They are lethargic now. But they tried hard to start. Thats how they had any possession stats. They may not be trying as hard since about 30min. They were annihilated from the opening kick.
2:05am
Demon Dez said | 2:05am | Report comment
There’s a hint of fear and jealousy in your posts Royce….
4:38am
Demon Dez said | 4:38am | Report comment
OHHHHHH, What happened Royce? Only a 14-14 all draw by your beloved Boks vs Eng??? Far from impressive hahahaha
6:45pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:45pm | Report comment
Hosea Gear is playing like Digby Ioane 2.5 tonight. Great great acceleration there!
6:46pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:46pm | Report comment
And how about that fend-off! Poor Keith Early.
6:50pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Was great! He’s not in a good way after that!
10:17am
Tigranes said | 10:17am | Report comment
Wasnt that a raised elbow used by gear?
6:44pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:44pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: No way Hosea! That was a clinical display of how to turn defence into five points in just 30 seconds. The All Blacks break from their defensive line out, work the ball to the left wing where Hosea Gear takes possession, runs straight through two Irish defenders and rolls into the corner for five.
Barrett’s conversion attempt fades to the left and New Zealand is scoring at a rate of almost a point per minute, up 41-0 through 50 minutes.
Incidentally, Keith Early was the man who donated his body to serve as Gear’s battering ram, the Irish #11 leaving the field groggy and bloodied after copping a monstrous fend-off from the Kiwi winger.
6:43pm
Kuruki said | 6:43pm | Report comment
Yesss Gear. That is the value of a big powerful winger.
6:45pm
Kuruki said | 6:45pm | Report comment
Luke Romano making some strong carries. All the young guys playing very well.
6:49pm
Kuruki said | 6:49pm | Report comment
Liam Messam made a few handling errors early but his strong D has been massive. Really giving us that physical presence.
6:40pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:40pm | Report comment
Ireland finds space down the short side and almost hits the Kiwi line, but the runner is pushed into touch, allowing the All Blacks to clear from their defensive lineout. No continuity or execution for the visitors at this point, but they are being placed under immense pressure by the Blacks.
6:37pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:37pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Well if rugby doesn’t work out for Sam Cane long term, he will have few problems finding work as a juggler. Liam Messam pops the ball to Cane when it popped off his chest, bobbled up in the air before the youngster found the composure to re-gain and plant the it under the posts.
So you would think that extinguishes any hope that Ireland had of being competitive. The scary thing is that 35 minutes are still on the clock with the Kiwis leading 36-0.
6:37pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:37pm | Report comment
This is a good All Blacks display. Love their leg drive in contact. And their support is brilliant giving everyone confidence to look for an offload.
6:36pm
Ben S said | 6:36pm | Report comment
Sam Whitelock getting a bit of attention from a number of players.
6:32pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:32pm | Report comment
The second half is underway from Hamilton with the All Blacks holding a brutal and commanding 29-0 lead. Is there ANY way back for Ireland? If there is, they really must score a couple of tries in the early going.
6:31pm
Kuruki said | 6:31pm | Report comment
Wow Cruden. Delivered 26 points in 20 minutes then went off job done game over. Sensational cameo and a massive sigh of relief for all Kiwi’s. Dan Carter can now be managed with allot more confidence.
6:33pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:33pm | Report comment
And to think there was a panicked fly-half crisis among Kiwi fans during the World Cup!
6:28pm
King of the Gorgonites said | 6:28pm | Report comment
I am loving this thrashing that the abs are inflicting…….
6:23pm
KiwiDave said | 6:23pm | Report comment
Will the real world champions please stand up…..
6:54pm
Rabbitz said | 6:54pm | Report comment
They have
6:22pm
Ben S said | 6:22pm | Report comment
Really impressed with Cane.
9:50pm
Riccardo said | 9:50pm | Report comment
x2 Ben
6:22pm
Ash said | 6:22pm | Report comment
What is it with Referees and the All Blacks? The poor Irish haven’t had a chance. That yellow card was a shocker.
The first 5 minutes was crucial for momentum. The Irish have been poor as well.
6:22pm
ohtani's jacket said | 6:22pm | Report comment
What a stupid sinbinning.
9:52pm
Riccardo said | 9:52pm | Report comment
Ridiculous OJ.
Me and my son were commenting in what a stupid ruling that was.
Penalty at best…
11:03am
Sylvester said | 11:03am | Report comment
To be fair to the ref, if he’s ruled deliberate knock down he’s pretty much obliged to dish the card because the ABs had two unmarked players ready to take that pass.
6:20am
mania said | 6:20am | Report comment
no the ref doesnt have to sin bin for a professional foul. he can give a warning. usually a ref would take into a/c the affect the card would have on the game. this ref didnt and i reckon he’s angry that he got knocked down earlier. stupid card not because of the incident but because of the overall affect it’ll have on the game
6:22pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:22pm | Report comment
HALF TIME: New Zealand 29 leads Ireland 0 – with Rob Kearney issued a yellow card after the hooter for what was deemed a deliberate knock on and Beauden Barrett landed the subsequent penalty kick with utter aplomb.
A blistering opening 15 minutes by the hosts has given them a stranglehold on this game and a 3-0 sweep. Before departing with an injury, Aaron Cruden looked very comfortable on his home ground, playing a pivotal role in all four tries. Sonny Bill Williams bagged a double, Ben Smith was brilliantly put into the right corner while Sam Cane crashed over for his first Test try.
Barrett’s successful penalty after the hooter gives the hosts a 29-0 lead.
To make matters worse for Ireland, they will be a man short for the opening stages of the second half. How ugly will this get?
6:16pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:16pm | Report comment
Oh, Ireland. They looked to have a break with a lovely inside ball from Sexton, but a poor pass results in a turnover. So while the Irish have temporarily stemmed the flow of New Zealand points, they are yet to score any of their own which is… you know… kind of important to winning games of rugby.
6:22pm
KiwiDave said | 6:22pm | Report comment
The Irish didnt. The NZ coaching staff did by taking Cruden off.
6:14pm
Ben S said | 6:14pm | Report comment
3 carries by Rory Best in a minute. Great work rate.
Illegal scrummage from Woodcock. Do the refs actually know what’s going on at all?
6:09pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:09pm | Report comment
O’Driscoll’s hands can’t keep up with a slick pass and the referee brings it back for advantage. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Ireland opts for a scrum in search of a try. They won’t be overhauling the Kiwis three points at a time.
6:08pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:08pm | Report comment
Ireland now applying some pressure to the All Blacks’ line. The Kiwi defence stands firm for the moment, but Ireland carry on with persistence and discipline. They are playing with a penalty advantage, but they desperately need the try if they are to harbour any hopes of an unlikely comeback.
6:03pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:03pm | Report comment
Cruden appeared to be fine in that passage of play but has since been substituted. He did go to ground heavily, but you suspect that it might also be a precautionary move with the All Blacks leading 26-0. Although disappointed to see him leave the field at his home venue, Chiefs fans will be thanking Steve Hansen for pulling him out of the fray with the Waikato franchise looking to build a long finals run this Super Rugby season.
Beauden Barrett earns his first cap in what is undoubtedly a very proud moment for the 21-year-old, his family and the Wellington Hurricanes.
6:02pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:02pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Just when Ireland looked to build something positive in attack, they cough it up with an errant pass. Cruden gathers the loose ball, sprints 30 metres, offloads to Conrad Smith who in turn passed to Ben Smith who can run it all the way to the corner. All Blacks 26-0 as Dagg sends the conversion attempt across the face.
6:01pm
Elisha Pearce said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Rob Horne, meet Conrad Smith. Passing is good.
6:01pm
ohtani's jacket said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Cheers, Cruden. See ya.
6:02pm
KiwiDave said | 6:02pm | Report comment
Hope he is good to go for next week. We need him at the Chiefs. 3 huge games coming up
6:05pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:05pm | Report comment
Even if Cruden could have continued, I suspect that was Hansen’s rationale with a 26-0 lead. No point causing internal strife in New Zealand rugby by persisting with an injured player. Chiefs fans will be happy – even if they only saw 20 minutes from him tonight.
9:56pm
Riccardo said | 9:56pm | Report comment
What a cameo though OJ?
His combination with SBW, in particular, was outstanding.
All blacks aren’t losing too much with Dan out IMO…
10:03pm
ohtani's jacket said | 10:03pm | Report comment
It was a shame he only lasted 25 minutes, but I think he proved a point.
6:01pm
KiwiDave said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Beau Barrett should get a good 55 minutes tonight.
6:05pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:05pm | Report comment
Without pressure too. Well… there is always pressure when you play Test rugby, but less pressure than usual with the Blacks 26 points to the good in the first half. Good luck to him.
5:59pm
KiwiDave said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Thats the bonus point….Ben Smith in the corner……point a minute stuff 26-0 kick to come. Did I mention Cruden set up tht try too. All 4 tries set up by him. Cruden gone for the night but the damage is done from him
5:59pm
Elisha Pearce said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Slick counter attack!
6:07pm
Alistair Hogg said | 6:07pm | Report comment
The best in the world. Breath taking stuff.
5:56pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:56pm | Report comment
Ireland can’t get to the airport soon enough. From my vantage point, I don’t think the Irish are playing poorly. They are just being monstered all over the field by a far superior team and haven’t been able to get their hands on the ball. Fair call?
5:58pm
Elisha Pearce said | 5:58pm | Report comment
Yes.
5:55pm
KiwiDave said | 5:55pm | Report comment
Dagg doing the kicks. Cruden has a limp. Hopefully nothing serious
5:58pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:58pm | Report comment
Cruden has been stellar, playing a key role in both of SBW’s tries. He will be a big loss if he can’t continue, but I will also be keen to see how Beauden Barrett goes (be it now or later in the game). The 21-0 lead will allow BB to play without pressure and a bit more freedom.
5:55pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:55pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: Sonny Bill Williams at the double! And who was it that put him through the line? That’s right – Aaron Cruden. However the #10 comes up limping and Israel Dagg adds the extra. All Blacks 21-0 following 20 minutes of play.
5:55pm
ohtani's jacket said | 5:55pm | Report comment
Remember when we talked about Cruden and Sonny Bill? Yeah…
5:54pm
KiwiDave said | 5:54pm | Report comment
I think a good old fashion spanking is on the cards tonight. About to be 21-0 as SBW gets try #2 tonight.
5:52pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:52pm | Report comment
Aaron Cruden’s first blemish for the evening is a missed penalty kick, but the fly-half has otherwise been superb in the early going. Kiwis still leading 14-0 and quickly back into Ireland’s half looking for more points.
5:51pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:51pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: What a start for the Kiwis! If anyone had doubts of Cruden’s ability to fill in for Dan Carter, they will surely be dispelled after that pass. A delightful offload to Sonny Bill Williams allows the centre to gallop away for a try and put the All Blacks 14-0 to the good inside 15 minutes. They have already scored more tries tonight than they did in 80 last week.
5:50pm
Elisha Pearce said | 5:50pm | Report comment
Both of these sides look like they have prepared things during the week to spice up their attack. Thats more than the Wallabies and Wales showed. There is 7 days between each game, gotta be time to try a few wrinkles.
5:50pm
Ben S said | 5:50pm | Report comment
Cruden… Seriously?
5:48pm
KiwiDave said | 5:48pm | Report comment
Cruden looks on fire. Big part in both tries. No Carter, no problem
5:43pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:43pm | Report comment
TRY NEW ZEALAND: The All Blacks draw first blood and it’s Sam Cane who scores his first Test try. Irish fans might be asking questions of a dubious pass that looked dubiously forward, but the play stands. New Zealand brutally clinical and lead it 7-0 as Aaron Cruden lands a great sideline conversion.
Really intelligent play by Cruden. Ireland players broke from their line, but the #10 proceeded with his kick anyway, knowing he’d receive a Mulligan if he missed. A second chance was not needed as the ball sailed through for a bonus two points.
5:41pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:41pm | Report comment
All Blacks look very threatening in attack. Lots of short, sharp passes as they seek to find a clean way through the stubborn Irish line.
5:40pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:40pm | Report comment
Sam Cane gets his hands on the ball and embarks on a monstrous run. That will give the youngster a tremendous amount of confidence in his first All Blacks start, despite losing the ball forward in contact. SO Ireland takes over, but they are still buried deep in New Zealand territory. No score after five minutes.
6:53pm
Harryonthecoast said | 6:53pm | Report comment
Funny, he just put Messam in for ABs 100th try for ABs against Ireland!
5:36pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:36pm | Report comment
We’re off and running at Waikato Stadium. Ireland kicks off and immediately seizes possession from a Kiwi turnover on the opening play of the game. You sense a strong start is imperative for the men in green tonight – or at least a neutral one. They can’t afford to concede early points.
5:33pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:33pm | Report comment
With the anthems and Haka behind us, we look forward to what should be a thoroughly entertaining 80 minutes. Can Ireland back up from last week’s performance, or has it mentally broken them?
5:22pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:22pm | Report comment
Richie McCaw spoke to Fox Sports earlier, discussing the shuffle that sees him at #8 alongside Liam Messam and Sam Cane.
“The three of us have to work together, so we spent a bit of time this week working out what each of us need. Sam did really well last week on debut, so he just needs to carry that on. Liam and I have been here before and will try to make it as easy as possible for him.”
5:09pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:09pm | Report comment
After watching Australia complete a clean sweep over the 6 Nations champions, we turn our attention across the ditch where a gallant Ireland attempts to climb off the canvas for today’s third and final Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton.
Following a blowout 42-10 loss in Auckland a fortnight ago, a much-improved Ireland almost caused the upset of the year so far, before New Zealand prevailed 22-19.
However “almost” beating the All Blacks for the first ever time will be of little solace to the men in green who are still seeking to overcome the world champions in over 107 years of trying.
Can they do it?
4:35pm
KiwiDave said | 4:35pm | Report comment
Plenty of changes. No Carter or Read and 2 fresh wings. Will be interesting to see how we go tonight. Not 100% confident.
5:11pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:11pm | Report comment
The Kiwis were without Dan Carter for most of the World Cup and look how that ended! While his creativity, game management and kicking ability is among the best in the world, the All Blacks have a couple of very talented fly-halves to step in and fill the void.
Aaron Cruden has been an elite #10 in Super Rugby this season while Beauden Barrett has done amazing things at the Hurricanes. I think they will be fine tonight if they can overcome any potential nerves.
5:31pm
KiwiDave said | 5:31pm | Report comment
Just saying I am not 100% confident. That’s not to say I don’t think we will win but 6 changes to the starting lineup can cause a few disruptions. I don’t think we are 17 point favourites like the bookies think we are and I dont think the $1.10 we are paying are good odds. We should be something like $1.25 and Ireland $4.00
6:50pm
Harryonthecoast said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Robbie must be pooing himself…..along with the rest of the Wallaby Camp. Cheeky buggers talking about the Bledisloe ! The ABs are devastating and there’ s still 25mins to go. Where is that plane?!!
5:21pm
El Gamba said | 5:21pm | Report comment
I think you’ll be right Dave. I’m with my kiwi in-laws so it’s in my best interest for a sound NZ win (might be nice to have a NH win side win something though…. nah…)
5:50pm
Alistair Hogg said | 5:50pm | Report comment
Duplicate.