New Zealand Avenge 2016 Loss, Overcome Red Card to Defeat Ireland
Ireland’s hopes of replicating their historic 2016 victory over New Zealand were dashed in Chicago on Saturday, as the All Blacks secured a hard-fought win despite playing a significant portion of the match with a one-man advantage. The final score saw New Zealand triumph, overcoming an early red card to ultimately outmuscle Andy Farrell’s side in the final quarter.
The match, played before a crowd of 62,000 at Soldier Field, was defined by early controversy and a relentless New Zealand response. Ireland, seeking to build momentum, suffered a major setback just three minutes into the contest when Tadhg Beirne received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Beauden Barrett. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ireland initially weathered the storm, demonstrating resilience and striking through a Tadhg Furlong try and the accurate kicking of Jack Crowley.
However, as the game progressed, Ireland began to tire, and New Zealand capitalized on their opponents’ fatigue. A late surge saw tries from Ardie Savea, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, and Cam Roigard in a decisive 15-minute spell, sealing the victory for the All Blacks. “Ireland will feel it’s a game they could have won,” a source close to the team commented, “but ultimately, the penalty count and turnovers proved too costly.”
The opening exchanges were marked by Irish rustiness, as highlighted by multiple penalties and a lost lineout. The incident leading to Beirne’s dismissal – initially a yellow card, later upgraded to a 20-minute red – proved pivotal. A lengthy delay due to a technical issue with the replay system further disrupted the flow of the game, during which New Zealand captain Scott Barrett was forced to leave the field with a leg injury. Despite this setback, New Zealand were unable to immediately capitalize, conceding a penalty that Crowley converted to give Ireland an early lead.
Ireland’s ability to play with 14 men for an extended period was commendable, with Jamison Gibson-Park’s tactical kicking putting the team in advantageous positions. A well-executed move involving Crowley, Dan Sheehan, and Jack Conan resulted in a penalty that led to Furlong’s opening try. However, New Zealand responded swiftly, with Savea crossing the line after a period of sustained pressure.
The second half saw a continuation of the intense physicality, with both sides trading penalties and contesting fiercely for possession. Ireland extended their lead through Crowley’s penalty kick, but the All Blacks gradually gained the upper hand. Replacement Williams scored a crucial try, converting the momentum and putting New Zealand ahead for the first time in the 62nd minute. Further tries from Sititi and Roigard extinguished any remaining Irish hopes.
Ireland’s discipline proved to be a significant factor in their downfall, conceding 11 penalties, losing six lineouts, and suffering 15 turnovers. These errors provided New Zealand with ample opportunities to build pressure and ultimately secure the win. The Irish squad, depleted and fatigued, brought on replacements Rónan Kelleher, Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey, and Paddy McCarthy, with McCarthy making his debut, but the damage was already done.
New Zealand’s victory avenged their previous defeat at the same venue in 2016 and demonstrated their resilience and clinical finishing. Ireland will now return to Dublin to face Japan, Australia, and South Africa in the coming weeks, seeking to address the issues that contributed to this disappointing result.
SCORERS
IRELAND
Tries: Furlong
Cons: Crowley
Pens: Crowley (2)
Red card: Beirne
NEW ZEALAND
Tries: Savea, Williams, Sititi, Roigard
Cons: Beauden Barrett (3)
IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Sheehan 61), Paddy McCarthy (Porter 67), Finlay Bealham (Furlong 60), Iain Henderson (22 for Beirne 20m RC), Caelan Doris (Ryan HIA 32 to h/t, Conan 51), Craig Casey (Gibson-Park 67), Sam Prendergast (Crowley 67), Bundee Aki (McCloskey 57).
NEW ZEALAND: Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell; Scott Barrett (capt), Fabian Holland; Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho (Taylor 62), Tamaiti Williams (De Groot 48), Pasilio Tosi (Newell 62), Josh Lord (Scott Barrett 3), Wallace Sititi (Parker HIA 29 to h/t, and 60), Cortez Ratima (Roigard 77), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Jordie Barrett 15), Damian McKenzie (Carter 64).
Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
