2024 Autumn Nations: Ireland Player Ratings (NZ)
The 2024 Autumn Nations Series saw Ireland face a formidable challenge in the form of New Zealand. The clash was a true test of the Irish team's mettle, and while they fell short in a thrilling encounter, there were still some impressive performances. Here’s a breakdown of the player ratings from the Ireland vs. New Zealand game:
Backs
Hugo Keenan (7/10): A dependable presence as always, Keenan was solid in defense and contributed strongly to the Irish attack. His kicking game was accurate, providing important territory gains.
Mack Hansen (6/10): Hansen was a constant threat on the wing, making several dangerous runs and drawing defenders. However, he struggled to find the final pass, which hampered his overall impact.
Garry Ringrose (8/10): A dominant performance from Ringrose. He was a rock in midfield, making crucial tackles and reading the game exceptionally well. His passing was sharp, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Bundee Aki (7/10): Aki brought his trademark physicality to the game, providing a powerful presence in the midfield. He was effective in both attack and defense, making some impactful carries and stopping the All Blacks’ momentum at times.
Johnny Sexton (7/10): Sexton’s game management and tactical kicking were key to Ireland’s performance. While he missed a few important shots at goal, he orchestrated the attack well and led by example.
Caelan Doris (6/10): While not as dominant as in previous games, Doris still made his presence felt. He was active in the breakdown and tackled with purpose, but couldn’t quite replicate his usual level of impact.
Jack Conan (6/10): Conan provided a physical presence at the back of the scrum. He was effective in carrying the ball and providing support for the forwards, but he lacked the game-breaking ability that characterized some of his previous performances.
Forwards
Tadhg Furlong (8/10): Furlong was a force at scrum time, providing the foundation for Ireland’s attack. His work rate and ball-carrying were excellent, proving why he is one of the best props in the world.
Dan Sheehan (8/10): A standout performance from Sheehan. He was a dominant force at the lineout, securing crucial possession and winning several penalties. He also carried the ball with purpose and intensity.
James Ryan (7/10): Ryan was a key figure in the Irish defense, consistently disrupting the All Blacks’ attacking lines. His lineout work was solid, and he also contributed with strong carries.
Iain Henderson (7/10): A strong performance from Henderson. He was a key player in both the lineout and at the breakdown. He also showcased his powerful carries and ability to make crucial tackles.
Andrew Porter (7/10): Porter was a powerful presence at scrum time, providing a solid platform for the Irish backline. He also contributed to the attack, making several strong carries.
Peter O'Mahony (7/10): A steady and reliable performance from O’Mahony. He led by example, making key tackles and inspiring his teammates with his work ethic. He was a valuable contributor in both attack and defense.
Josh van der Flier (8/10): Another standout performer. Van der Flier was a constant threat at the breakdown, winning turnovers and disrupting the All Blacks' flow. He was also a key contributor in attack, making strong runs and providing support for his teammates.
Overall
While the final result didn't go Ireland's way, the team put in a spirited performance against a highly-rated New Zealand side. They showed great resilience and determination, and several players stood out with their individual performances. The 2024 Autumn Nations Series continues to be a valuable experience for this Irish team, as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.