Tops

RD Savia is the strong man in the New Zealand pack

Although the All-Blacks are still searching for a worthy successor to Kieran Reid in the third center line, Ardea has done more than provide an element of reaction to Ian Foster and his staff against Ireland. Barracks in a closed scrum dominated almost entirely by the All-Blacks, tormenting the Clover XV pack, he ran the typical third-line wing, as did his teammates up front. But his performance does not stop there. He scored his fourth try just before the break (37th) after a game at the feet of Aaron Smith, then doubled himself in the second half (52nd) after an individual exploit where he had mystified three Irish defenders. A capital performance.

The Barrett brothers wear New Zealand

Imperials against XV clubs, Bowden, Scott and Jordie Barrett launch All-Blacks summer tour. Sticking to his role as a scorer (6/6, 12 points), Jordy distinguished himself by scoring his first try (20th) after a complicated start to the match for the Irish to dominate. Accurate in his selections, opener Beauden launched the game for his partners, making a decisive, millimeter pass with his feet to the attention of his center Quinn Tupeia for the third New Zealand try (35th). Finally, as usual, third-row Scott proved invaluable in his defensive butchering, constantly coming to slow the exits of Irish balls and securing several throws into touch.

Peter O’Mahony led the New Zealand forward

It was the Irishman who stood out the most on Saturday. Appointed captain after Jonathan Sexton’s early exit, Peter O’Mahony knew how to set the example for his men to defeat New Zealand’s plans. Amassing tackles (19), the Irish third row also scratched both balls on the ground and proved vital against the All-Blacks in the ruck areas.

flops

Lack of Irish realism

If the All Blacks’ victory looks flawless at the end of this first Test of the summer tour, the score is by no means revealing. But in a last-ditch gesture of hope for an improvement at Auckland’s Eden Park, the Irish fished. Jonathan Sexton’s teammates would be denied a total of three tries. Joey Carbery (58), Josh van der Flier (59) and Andrew Porter (75) also finished their runs behind the in-goal, but were unable to go flat after a breakthrough or defensive rebound. Add to that the time played in the opposite 22m in the first game (4min 30, one try for Ireland, 1min 30, four tries for New Zealand) and the slap Clover’s XV received. sorry

Another shock for Sexton

Years go by and the plague continues. After a heavy charge from Sam Kane, Jonathan Sexton suffered another shock in his career on New Zealand soil. He was replaced by Joey Carberry (31st) after not responding favorably to the concussion protocol. An exit that will have serious consequences for Andy Farrell and his staff, as the Irish captain is a key component of the first XV, as evidenced by his high-flying first half hour. It remains to be seen whether Leinsterman can maintain their position in the next two Tests of the summer tour, in Dunedin on July 9 and then in Wellington on July 16.

Repeated errors

English referee Carl Dixon was not short of work in this first round in Auckland, with 14 penalties against the All-Blacks and 11 against Ireland. A number of redo scrums marred the contest, mainly on the Irish side. At the end of a grueling season, both teams will be hoping to show more discipline and precision over the next two Saturdays.