All Blacks show character to rally from Chicago defeat

Two weeks ago, Ireland secured their maiden win over the All Blacks in 105 years of trying following a 40-29 win in Chicago.

Despite the surprise victory two weeks ago, Ireland were highly critical of their defensive effort on USA soil, conceding four tries and nearly falling victim to an All Blacks comeback.

Ireland lost three of their leading players early on, ended up on the wrong side of some bad reffing decisions but still dominated for most of the game yet normal service was resumed in Dublin tonight.

Ireland attacked with renewed aggression in the second half and kept New Zealand pinned within its own half for lengthy stretches, but repeatedly spilled the ball as it neared the All Blacks’ tryline. “But I wouldn’t suggest that Steve Hansen become a bookmaker”.

New Zealand unleashed full fury from the outset, retaining their kick-off and hurtling into every skirmish.

Ireland captain Rory Best, when asked if was satisfied the officials had protecting his players from illegal tackles, said that when he played New Zealanders he expected the collisions to be intense.

New Zealand withstood Ireland’s second-half storm and then struck on 66 minutes with a try that broke Irish hearts, though the final pass looked suspiciously illegal. Jerome Kaino is inured for the Ireland re-match, but the flanker lined up at lock in Chicago, and the back-line was nearly unrecognisable.

Ireland five-eighth Johnny Sexton is in doubt for next weekend’s Test against the Wallabies in Dublin due to a hamstring injury. Joe Schmidt’s side will look to build on their first victory over the All Blacks for 111 years. Israel Dagg also returns to the team on the wing. He reached for yellow finally, when Aaron Smith came through on Murray, actually the least heinous of the offences, but enough was enough.

Skipper Kieran Read said it had been a heck of a physical tussle. Surely TJ Perenara merits a start.

The one thing now is that there is an expectation within them that they should be winning Test matches and I think that comes from simply that – winning Test matches.

“But we’ve got to park a bit of that as well, and make sure we move onto focusing on Australia”.

Beauden Barrett had far from a bad game against Ireland, but now that is has stepped out of the shadow of Dan Carter, he needs to perform when the chips are down.

“While there was obvious disappointment at the loss in Chicago, disappointment doesn’t win Test matches – it’s about having great preparation and attitude, and delivering on the day”. “So we will have to take a massive step up, to get the performance we are looking for”.

“You’d love to think that we’re favourites wouldn’t you?” said Schmidt.

“We’ve got that ability to fill that gap, it’s just giving them the opportunities to do so”, Hansen said.

“Two weeks ago this team suffered their first loss, creating a lot of adversity”, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

“Certainly we must improve our discipline as we conceded 12 penalties in Chicago that allowed them to kick for position and put us on the back foot the whole time”.