NZ media on Ireland and Beirne red card: 'If you’re not expecting a ball-runner, what are you doing on the field, mate?'

A modern rugby rivalry gradually being consigned to the past - that was the vibe in the New Zealand media.

Sun, 02 Nov, 2025 - 14:18

Larry Ryan

A modern rugby rivalry being consigned to the past - that was the vibe in the New Zealand media after the All-Blacks defeated Ireland for the third time in succession.

Under the headline ‘All Blacks now really have Ireland’s number’ in The Dominion Post, Paul Cully figures "one of the All Blacks’ great rivalries over the past decade might be coming to an end."

He adds: "All Blacks played poorly for an hour and still beat Ireland - an intense rivalry is starting to fade."

In the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul tempers enthusiasm for a promising All Blacks finish to the game with acknowledgement this was an Irish side far from the best they have encountered in recent times.

"The All Blacks tapped into something powerful and compelling in the final quarter. The stilted and uncertain attack that plagued them for 55 minutes burst out of the cocoon – and suddenly the men in black were butterflies. But some words of caution are required as the Irish, the highest-ranked of the Home Unions the All Blacks will face on tour, looked a little frayed and devoid of energy and good ideas, and tougher challenges await in the UK."

In Midi Olympique, Frederic Bernes didn't think much of either side.

“Nine years after Ireland’s first victory against the All Blacks, the revenge match in Chicago on Saturday night went in favour of the New Zealanders (26-13), who nevertheless only dominated in the last 20 minutes.

“In a way, this American rematch was less a clash between the world’s No 2 and 3 teams than a contest between two sides lacking confidence for several months. In a match that never reached any great heights, each team had its moment, but only one secured its revenge.”

Liam Napier in The Herald maintained that theme.

"The All Blacks were confident of clicking into gear against Ireland. But for a long time, they instead resembled a clunky, rusty car parked in the garage too long.

"Ireland were well short of their best, too, but they did enough to feast on the All Blacks’ mistakes and lead for 60 minutes.

"While elements of Ireland’s game were far from fluid, notably their misfiring lineout and playmaker Jack Crowley failing to take his chance, for 60-odd minutes the All Blacks lacked direction and accuracy."

Of the game's controversial moment, the Herald's Winston Aldworth had little sympathy for Tadhg Beirne's red card, awarding him a rating of 1.

"His technique in that hit on Beauden Barrett was terrible. The 20-minute sanction was a reasonable punishment. The defence that he wasn’t expecting the runner is lame. The whole idea of attacking in rugby is to catch defenders unaware and if you’re not expecting a ball-runner, what are you doing on the field, mate?"

Though Aaron Goile in The Post accepted a red card was 'ridiculous'.

"Despite the Irish copping an early (ridiculous) red card, Scott Robertson’s side did not lead until inside the final quarter, but their scrum and bench proved decisive in sealing a win that went some way to avenging the historic loss to the same opponents at the same venue nine years ago."

As a sellout Chicago spectacle, meanwhile, Napier suggests the contest won't have done much to spread the rugby message Stateside,

"As another 61,841 sold-out crowd at Soldier Field waited with anticipation, a 52-minute first half that featured long, unnecessary stoppages and frequent mistakes produced a painful, pedantically officiated, low-quality spectacle."