Why Ireland must learn to twist the knife

CLOSE, but no cigar. Ireland left New Zealand empty handed and angry after they scorned another opportunity at rain-sodden Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday.

Once again, it was a bridge too far, as this experimental All Blacks side turned the screw in the closing minutes of a tough battle that was finally decided in the 72nd minute.

When Luke McAlister charged through Ronan O’Gara’s tackle to dot down for New Zealand’s third try, which he converted, it gave New Zealand a 10 points buffer, enough to secure victory and enough to ensure Ireland left with nothing to show for a brave, but flawed effort.