Ireland Player Ratings v New Zealand - Test 2

Ireland Player Ratings v New Zealand - Test 2

Ireland secured a historic first-away win over New Zealand as they defeated the 14-man All Blacks 23-12 in Dunedin on Saturday.

 

It was an incredible effort from Ireland, who have recorded a famous first-ever victory on New Zealand soil.

 

Ireland broke through shortly after halftime when Andrew Porter muscled over the try line, and from that point on, the visitors rolled up their sleeves and absorbed every challenge that the All Blacks could throw at them. 

 
 
 
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Here is how we rated the Ireland players in their famous victory.

 

1. Andrew Porter - 8.5


Porter scored twice in the victory and backed up his 80 minutes last week with a 65-minute shift this week. He held his own in the scrum without dominating and put in a decent defensive shift. Brilliant performance.

 

2. Dan Sheehan - 7

A quieter shift with the ball in hand compared to last week but still made 23 metres. He weighed in with 12 tackles, and his set-piece work was sound.

 

3. Tadhg Furlong - 8

He was back on top in the scrums, punched holes in the defence with his bullocking carries and made 15 tackles.

 

4. Tadhg Beirne - 9

Berine was back to his best after a steady return from injury last week. His break led to Porter's first try, and he was far more of a threat over the ball than last week. He also held up the New Zealanders over his own try-line. Outstanding. 

 

5. James Ryan - 7

He spent time in the bin for conceding a penalty on his line but was otherwise excellent. He made a crucial lineout steal in his own 22 and defended well. He wasn't asked to carry as much as he is used to, but a strong game nonetheless. 

 

6. Peter O'Mahony - 9

O'Mahony rose to the occasion in every facet of the game for Ireland. His lineout work was superb; he was a nuisance at the breakdown, tackled strongly, carried well and completed a wonderful 50:22. An Incredible shift.

 

7. Josh van der Flier - 8.5

He adds another stellar performance to his 2022 collection. Van der Flier made an impression all over the pitch topping the tackle count, troubled the All Blacks' breakdown, and carried well throughout - including a massive carry in the build-up to Porter's first try. 

 

8. Caelan Doris - 7.5

Doris made a crucial tap tackle on Jordie Barrett, which prevented a try-scoring opportunity. He carried hard into the All Blacks defence and was another threat at the breakdown.

 

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 7.5

A tidy performance from the Leinster halfback, who provided swift and accurate service on attack, box kicked well and won a vital penalty before making way for Conor Murray. 

 

10. Johnny Sexton - 8

Orchestrated the Ireland attack wonderfully with his wide range of passing. He kicked well out of hand and off the tee. Ireland couldn't pick apart the All Blacks' defence as much as they would have liked, but their better attacking sequences all came through the captain.

 

11. James Lowe - 6.5

His booming boot came into good effect, and while he didn't get too many attacking opportunities, he did butcher two. The one he knocked on with an overlay in the 22. The other, he threw the ball out of play, wasting a promising attack.

 

12. Robbie Henshaw - 8

 

Henshaw shone on both sides of the ball, making some sharp reads on defence, including one on Rieko Ioane in the All Blacks' 22, which stopped a threatening-looking counter-attack.

 

He thundered into contact with his six carries while he passed well too. He switched between 12 and 13 well once Ringrose left the pitch.

 

13. Garry Ringrose - 6.5

A promising performance cut short by a nasty head clash with Angus Ta'avao. He would have cruised through for a try had he not been taken off the ball, and Sexton could get the pass away.  

 

14. Mack Hansen - 7

He started the game well, making inroads into the All Blacks defence as he got his hands on the ball numerous times. Strong on defence and safe under the high ball. 

 

15. Hugo Keenan - 7

Like Gibson-Park, it was a tidy nut and bolts performance from the Ireland fullback. He never really got into space to make a real impact on the attack but did have some bright runs when the All Blacks kicked to him. Tidy shift. 

 

Replacements

16. Rob Herring - 6.5

17. Cian Healy - 6

18. Finlay Bealham - 6

19. Kieran Treadwell - 6.5

20. Jack Conan - 7

21. Conor Murray - 7

22. Joey Carbery - 6

23. Bundee Aki -8

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