Rugby: All Blacks preserve unbeaten record against Ireland

The All Blacks preserved their unbeaten record and ran in six tries to Ireland’s three in a thrilling game at Lansdowne Road.

The game exploded into life after 12 minutes when Kevin Maggs touched down following a wonderful dummy move by David Humphreys.

The outhalf’s successful conversion together with two penalties and a drop-goal saw Ireland lead at the interval by 16-7. New Zealand’s first-half try was scored by Chris Jacks and Andrew Mehrten booted the conversion.

Straight after the interval, Denis Hickie ended a flowing move for Ireland’s second try. But the visitors began putting the Irish defence under tremendous pressure, which eventually buckled and yielded tries for Reuben Thorne and Doug Howlett by the 50 minute mark.

Where Ireland's David Wallace inspired Ireland in the first half, New Zealand's debutant Richard McCaw rallied his side in the second.

A second Humphreys’ drop-goal temporarily gave Ireland hope but the All Blacks rallied and hit back with tries by Aaraon Mauger, Jonah Lomu and Dave Hewett. Ireland got a late consolation try from Eric Miller.

Full time: Ireland 29, New Zealand 40

Ireland tries: Maggs, Hickie, Miller

Cons: Humphreys 1, Pens: 2, Dgoal: 2

New Zealand tries: Jacks, Thorne, Howlett, Mauger, Lomu, Hewett

Cons: Mehrtens 5