Ireland all at sea as McKenzie pulls the strings

SOME games live up to their billing and others don’t. This fits firmly into the second territory with a subdued Ireland falling a long way short of their world No.1 status while New Zealand, you sense, were often struggling to engage top gear themselves for long periods of the match.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Luckily the tourists had an in-form Damian McKenzie on board – starting at 10 with the injured Beauden Barrett in the stands – and the New Zealand fly-half produced a nigh on immaculate kicking performance from the tee the see the All Blacks home with a bit to spare.

It was Mckenzie’s beautiful late touchline conversion that did for England at Twickenham so we are beginning to appreciate the other side of an exciting back normally lauded for his all singing all dancing running style.

The All Blacks were good value for their victory – the scoreline flattered Ireland – and already have three quick-fire wins under their belts on this autumn tour before some teams – Wales for example – have even played a game. Next up comes France followed by Italy and perhaps a little unexpectedly a Grand Slam tour beckons, although Dupont and co will have plenty to say about that.

Meanwhile this was only Ireland’s third defeat at the Aviva in the last eight years, but Andy Farrell’s side looked strangely out of sorts with their error prone handling and vulnerability at scrum time where, in fairness, they do have significant injury issues.