New Zealand-Ireland: 42-19
New Zealand: Barrett (20), Rees (29), Tupaya (35), Zavia (37, 52), Sovacula (70)
Ireland: Earls (5E), Ringrose (43E), Aki, (76E)

New Zealand got revenge against Ireland. The All-Blacks didn’t take half measures to easily win their first Test of the summer tour against Jonathan Sexton’s team-mates (42-19, six tries, including four matches), defeating XV of Clover last November (29-20). The All-Blacks are unbeaten at Eden Park in Auckland since 1994. 47th consecutive game in a row.

A devastating acceleration by the All-Blacks late in the first period

However, the New Zealanders did not perform well in their meeting. Irish spirit dominated the first quarter and they conceded a try through Keith Earls in the corner (5). At the back, the All-Blacks couldn’t see off their first points in the twentieth minute when a Banderilla signing, Jordy Barrett, chased down Fainga’Anuku’s run well. The triple world champions will give their supporters a 10-minute recital. In the 80m race, Sevu Rees’ second try (29), Quinn Tupeia (35) and Ardi Zavia (37) at Beauden Barrett’s feet didn’t follow Aaron Smith’s play well. New Zealand led 28-5 with the score heavy at the break.

From the start of the second act, the Irish offered themselves a burst of pride with a try from Gary Ringrose (43rd), the culmination of a collective effort and plenty of work from their forwards. But Clover’s XV’s defense then succumbed to the brilliance of Ardi Zavia, who conceded a brace himself after an individual exploit (52nd). The meeting was a series of inaccuracies and mistakes on both sides. Pita made a strong effort at the end of a scrum for his first pick, before debutant Gus Sovacula. Kick-off substitute Bundy Aki saved Irish honors late in the match (76th). But the damage has already been done. The next two Tests of this summer tour will be played in Dunedin on July 9 and then in Wellington on July 16.