Ireland Player Ratings v New Zealand

November 13, 2021
6261
Ultimate Rugby

Ireland have beaten New Zealand for a second time at the Aviva Stadium claiming a 29-20 win.

Tries from James Lowe and Ronan Kelleher helped Ireland to their victory in a stunning test in Dublin.

Here is how we rated Andy Farrell's charges.

15. Hugo Keenan - 7

Cool, calm and collected at the back. Hardly phased with any of the bombs New Zealand launched at him. Kicked well out of hand too and sent Lowe away down the touchline for a try.

14. Andrew Conway - 7

Excellent under the high ball whether it was on attack or defence. Made over 60 running metres with the ball in hand.

13. Garry Ringrose - 8.5

Combative on defence and had a number of silky touches with the ball in hand. Nailed a lovely 50:22 and made regular metres when he took the ball to the line.

12. Bundee Aki - 8

Combined his brutal carries with some lovely link up play. One of his wide passes sent Keenan into space which led to a try for Lowe. He defended well too and claimed a turnover.

11. James Lowe - 8

Popped up in the midfield while on attack and gave Ireland some great front foot ball. He took his chance to score against the country of his birth sublimely.

He had good moments on defence and used his boot well.

10. Johnny Sexton - 8

Forced off the pitch just after the hour mark but Sexton was sensational when he was on the pitch.

The trademark loop still works wonders for the pivot while his kicking, passing and carrying game was on point today.

He will be disappointed with his missed shots at goal but his kicking out of hand was brilliant.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 7.5

The tempo of Ireland's attack was largely down to Gibson-Park's ability to keep Ireland ticking over. His service was swift and accurate.

He fumbled the ball with Ireland's attack looking dangerous but made up for his error with a 50:22 soon after.

1. Andrew Porter - 8.5

Powerful come scrum time and put in a massive 75 minute shift. An incredible shift in all facets of the game.

2. Ronan Kelleher - 8.5

A fantastic shift from the young Ireland hooker. He was abrasive with ball in hand charging into the All Blacks' defence and made a vital interception with the All Blacks' looking dangerous in his own 22.

He was absolutely everywhere before he was substituted in the 58th minute.

3. Tadhg Furlong - 8

A similar performance as Porter albeit for 64 minutes rather than his fellow prop's 75. He had try disallowed but was otherwise brilliant.

4. Iain Henderson - 7

A combative shift clearing out rucks as Ireland dominated possession. He managed a turnover and was subbed off shortly after half time.

5. James Ryan - 7.5

Ryan threw his weight into just about everything in a busy performance that saw him get back to some of his best rugby. Good at the lineout and abrasive all around the park.

6. Caelan Doris - 9.5

Deservedly named man of the match in possibly his finest performance in the Green jersey. He scored a wonderful try from a great running line slicing through the All Blacks' defence.

He carried with real vigour and was sharp defensively. Outstanding performance.

7. Josh van der Flier - 7.5

Covered just about every blade of grass at the Aviva in an all-action hour-long performance.

8. Jack Conan - 8

Powerful carries and sound defence was the cornerstone of Conan's performance as he continues to grow as a world-class back-rower.

He linked up well on attack and regularly made metres with his carries.

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring - 6

17. Cian Healy - n/a

18. Finlay Bealham - 6

19. Tadhg Beirne - 7.5

20. Peter O’Mahony - 7.5