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2nd July 2022
10:04am BST
Beauden Barrett of New Zealand is tackled by Tadhg Beirne of Ireland. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]
Early crunching, rib-rattling tackle on Sam Cane forced a turnover. Almost had Gibson Park in for a try after collecting a Sexton grubber on the charge. Sloppy pass to James Lowe spoiled a promising Irish attack. Slipped before his pass to Lowe was intercepted for a Sevu Reece try. Got a lovely, diving try in the left-hand corner. Missed a tackle on Savea before the forward's second try.
Robbie Henshaw - 6
A whole-hearted effort but the All Blacks were never too worried about him. Could not bring down Savea when he made his line break for the host's fifth try.
James Lowe - 6
Fumbled out of play, but the pass from Ringrose was no help. A hesitation from Ringrose saw him slip, and Reece canter in an 80-metre intercept. Peach of an offload to set up that Ringrose try.
Johnny Sexton - 5
Brought out multiple chip-and-chases and kicks over the top, to try keep the Kiwis honest. Took a blow to the head and, moments later, got up to play on. When there was a break in play, after Sevu Reece's try, he went off for a Head Injury Assessment and did not return.
Jamison Gibson Park - 4
Crisp passing was key in that Earls try. Forcing the issue and trying to play that quick tempo cost Ireland one try. Not clearing his lines, inside his 22, cost them another. Stood back at a second half ruck while the ball was stolen. Always a tough night for a No.9 when his pack are being outgunned.
Andrew Porter - 6
Asked to play the full 80 minutes as a compromised Cian Healy was on the bench. Pinged at an attacking scrum, just on the AB's 22, as the hosts targeted him for special attention. Was alive to snatch a loose ball after an AB's lineout went astray.
Dan Sheehan - 6
Made four BIG carries in those 18 phases before the Earls opener. Timing issues with lineout jumpers did not help him and he needed to get closer to Furlong at scrum-time. Had to get back out on the pitch after a short break when Heffernan, his replacement, was injured. Was pinged for offside when he returned.
Tadhg Furlong - 5
Got some early treatment on his shoulder. Did not have his usual impact and fell off a couple of tackles.
Tadhg Beirne - 5
Caught dozing at the breakdown for the Aaron Smith snipe, before the Savea try. Seems odd to see him play a game and not even look close to securing a turnover.
James Ryan - 5
Was sucked into a silly penalty when he tackled Smith before the ball was out. Struggled to impose himself on the ABs.
Peter O'Mahony - 7
Poached in for an early turnover and hacked it up the line, almost getting Earls in for his second. Took over as captain when Sexton went off, but got little change out of referee Karl Dickson. Kept going and had two nice offloads, one of which led to a try.
Josh van der Flier - 7
The momentum-setter for his team again. Stuck 12 first half tackles and was the guy charging up on kicks and trying to pressure the ABs. Had the ball dislodged, going over the tryline.
Caelan Doris - 5
Quiet in an attacking sense. Stuck his tackles but nothing of real dominance in those tackles. His final act was securing a breakdown turnover.
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