No historic win but Irish pride intact

Ireland 18 New Zealand 38

reland answered their critics with a confidence-restoring display full of endeavour but they were still flattened by New Zealand at Aviva Stadium.

With their backs to the wall following poor displays against South Africa and Samoa, the Irish played with far more conviction in front of an autumn-best crowd of 46,302.

Stephen Ferris scored a controversial try while Brian O’Driscoll also touched down with Declan Kidney’s side producing some thrilling rugby, especially in a dominant final quarter.

But once again the All Blacks’ ruthless finishing proved critical, with Kieran Read scoring two tries and Anthony Boric and Sam Whitelock also crossing.

The real damage was done in a four-minute burst shortly after half-time which saw Read and Whitelock cross to establish a 33-13 lead that Ireland had little hope of reeling in.

Fly-half Dan Carter kept the scoreboard ticking over and missed out on becoming the highest scorer in Test history by just three points, tonight’s haul of 18 leaving him just short of Jonny Wilkinson’s mark of 1,178.

It was an encouraging evening from Ireland, who have been abject at times this autumn, yet they were still well beaten by a side operating on a different level.

That was apparent just 30 seconds in when New Zealand created their first chance. Had it been backs attempting to exploit an overlap instead of forwards Read and Boric, the visitors may have been in.

Aided by perfect conditions they renewed their assault and were rewarded when Ireland, buckling under the pressure, conceded a penalty that was expertly despatched by Carter.

The Irish responded with a monster penalty from inside their own half by Jonathan Sexton while their rugged defending was also inspiring some confidence.

But all the rugby was still being played by the tourists, who expertly retained possession even when being smashed backwards in the tackle.

Carter kicked a second penalty and the crowd cheered when a knock-on from scrum-half Andy Ellis halted yet another All Black attack.

As the first quarter neared its conclusion, Ireland burst into life.

Breaks from Eoin Reddan and Tommy Bowe swept them deep into All Black territory but instead of continuing the move, Gordon D’Arcy inexplicably attempted a drop-goal that sailed wide.

New Zealand were having to keep their composure amid some rousing play from their opponents that saw Jamie Heaslip build up a head of steam and O’Driscoll produce a superb touchfinder.

Sexton kicked another improbable penalty but Carter was also on target, though his three points were something of a morale victory for Ireland as the All Blacks failed to create any openings.

The Irish had no such problem in the 31st minute as they surged into the lead, though the scoring pass for Ferris’ try was clearly forward.

Having stretched New Zealand with a series of dynamic raids, they went wide where Heaslip found the onrushing Ferris, but referee Marius Jonker failed to spot the direction of the offload.

The conversion was landed by Sexton but the All Blacks, fresh from dealing with a blistering run by Rob Kearney, responded emphatically.

First Carter hit his fourth penalty and then added a conversion after Anthony Boric had ended a series of runs by crashing over with a minute of the half remaining.

A beautifully-balanced run from Mils Muliaina gave Ireland food for thought and in the 45th minute New Zealand breached their whitewash for a second time.

The move started from deep in their own half with Nonu, Conrad Smith and Jerome Kaino involved in a brilliant try finished by Read.

Ireland’s defence, which had performed heroics in the first half, had disintegrated and four minutes later the All Blacks crossed again through substitute Whitelock.

The final pass from McCaw was forward but once again Jonker had missed it, though the odds were now even after Ferris had earlier enjoyed a lucky escape. Carter converted both tries.

A lung-busting run from Heaslip brought the Aviva Stadium to its feet and the passage of play eventually came to an end when O’Driscoll showed remarkable hands to pick up a grounded ball and dive over.

New Zealand were now having to defend against a spirited fightback from Ireland that saw Denis Leamy knock-on with the line beckoning.

Their tails up, Ireland attacked again and again and were almost rewarded through Keith Earls in the left corner, only for Cory Jane to execute a try-saving tackle.

For all their ambition and dominance of the final quarter, however, Ireland had failed to trouble the whitewash and it was Read who had the final say when he thundered over for his second try.