All Blacks secure bonus point victory
The All Blacks achieved a 40-21 bonus point victory against Ireland at Eden Park, marking a significant improvement in intensity and accuracy compared to their earlier wins over France and Italy this month. Head coach Dave Rennie, despite the dominant performance, believes his team still has considerable room for growth.
The match saw the All Blacks score six tries to Ireland‘s three. Ireland, ranked as the world’s No. 3 side, struggled at times, particularly in the first half, which ended with a 28-7 deficit for the visitors. The All Blacks‘ set piece was particularly effective.
Key changes made by Rennie paid dividends. These included the return of Patrick Tuipulotu to lock, Tupou Vaa’i‘s shift to blindside flanker, and Josh Moorby‘s debut start at left wing. Moorby was elevated from the reserves into the starting XV after a strong performance against Italy. Vaa’i‘s move to the loose forwards marked the third change at No. 6 in as many tests, following Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi.
The midfield pairing of Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea demonstrated creativity with the ball and strong defensive play without it. Ruben Love orchestrated the attack effectively from the No. 10 position, while the back three of Moorby, Damian McKenzie, and Will Jordan were consistently alert to opportunities. Tupaea returned to the starting side after missing the Wellington game, replacing Billy Proctor at centre. Jordie Barrett was cleared to play at No. 12 despite missing some training earlier in the week.
Looking ahead to the South Africa tour
Despite the strong performance against Ireland, Rennie indicated that the team has more potential. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made over three weeks, calling it “pleasing and exciting.” Attack coach Mike Blair echoed this sentiment, suggesting improvements are still needed, particularly in finishing.
The team’s focus will now shift to an extensive seven-week tour of South Africa, which includes four upcoming Tests against the world champions. Rennie described South Africa as a “different beast,” noting their recent 43-0 victory over Wales in Durban and their ability to perform well even with a B side against Scotland.
Rennie is optimistic about the tour’s impact on the team, stating that regardless of the results, the All Blacks will be in a much better place afterward. He anticipates gaining more insight into the players and the team’s game model, and an opportunity to refine their culture during the extended period together.
Injuries will affect the initial stages of the tour. Hooker Codie Taylor, who sustained a calf strain, is likely to miss the first two matches against the Stormers on August 8 and the Sharks four days later. The status of No. 10 Love, who played on with a knee injury before being forced off, is currently unknown but not considered serious.
The All Blacks are set to name an extended tour squad of 44 players in one week.
On the bench for the Ireland match, Xavier Numia and Fletcher Newell reinforced the front row, while Asafo Aumua returned as the reserve hooker. Lakai also returned after not playing in Wellington, and Caleb Clarke was back in the matchday 23 after starting in Christchurch. The selections for Eden Park meant that Beauden Barrett, Kyle Preston, and Simon Parker were the only players in the initial 34-man squad not to have played during this international window.
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Source: 1news.co.nz
