The New Zealand rugby media was certainly very happy and satisfied after their country grabbed a win over Ireland by beating them at the northern hemisphere side at 42-19 at Eden Park.
Ireland ended their winless run against the All Blacks, spanning over a century, in 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago .
“Often the All Blacks nemesis in recent years, having won three of their previous five tests, Ireland gradually disintegrated in front of a 48,195 strong crowd.”
“As the match wore, and the All Blacks dominance grew, Ireland’s frustration became clear. By the finish, the notion that Ireland are a different beast at home rung true.”
“Ireland weren’t so far behind the All Blacks in the core facets of winning the ball and the collisions. But they were light years behind in being able to sniff and exploit even a half chance and the ability of the All Blacks to pounce on counterattack and sense where an opponent is weak remains the gift that they alone possess” said Gregor Paul, a writer for New Zealand Herald.
However, the only negative feedback which came from the media was from Robert van Royen of Stuff website, he warned that the New Zealand flanker Scott Barrett was fortunate to avoid sanction for charging Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony in the head at the base of a ruck.
