A few days after their historic win in New Zealand (12-23), and ahead of the third and final Test against the Blacks on Saturday (9:05am in France), the Irish found the Maori All Blacks on Wednesday and they dominated. Last June 29 (32-17) was very clear. Obviously, Clover XV was heavily modified for this match during the week. But for this meeting captain Keith Earls’ teammates outworked Wellington (24-30).

Double for Larmore

Shaun Stevenson opened the scoring early for the locals (5-0, 3) and the men in green took the lead after a quick try from Jordan Larmour and a good touch from Keith Earls (5-7, 9th). Nick Timoney scored the 33rd to give Ireland a comfortable lead at the break (5-17), and Ciaran Frawley’s penalty on his return from the locker room secured (5-20, 43).

Gavin Coombs also got there with a try (12-25.67) in the second period as the Maori All Blacks responded with penalty tries (12-20, 45th) and a gain from Reuben Love (17-25, 70). A strange Josh walked Ione. Despite a late effort from Brad Weber (24-30, 80), Jordan Larmer offered a late brace (17-30, 78) to secure the Irish victory.