**Autumn Nations: Ireland Vs NZ Player Ratings**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Autumn Nations: Ireland vs NZ Player Ratings - A Masterclass in Green

The Aviva Stadium witnessed a spectacle of rugby on November 19th, as Ireland locked horns with the All Blacks in a thrilling Autumn Nations clash. It was a battle of titans, with both sides displaying exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Ultimately, it was Ireland who emerged victorious, securing a historic 29-20 win and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Let's delve into the individual performances and dissect the player ratings that painted a vivid picture of this epic encounter.

Ireland - A Symphony of Green

Johnny Sexton (9/10): The veteran fly-half orchestrated the Irish attack with masterful precision, showcasing his game management prowess and a clinical kicking boot. His crucial penalty in the latter stages sealed the win, highlighting his importance to the team.

Hugo Keenan (8/10): The fullback was a constant threat on attack, making incisive runs and displaying exceptional defensive awareness. His ability to read the game and position himself strategically contributed significantly to Ireland's defensive solidity.

James Lowe (8/10): The left wing was a force of nature, showcasing his blistering pace and powerful running style. His tries were crucial in establishing Ireland's lead, and he was a constant thorn in the All Blacks' side.

Bundee Aki (7.5/10): The center provided a strong physical presence in the midfield, disrupting the All Blacks' attacking flow and showcasing his power in the tackle. His commitment to defense was a key factor in limiting the visitors' scoring opportunities.

Caelan Doris (7.5/10): The flanker was an unstoppable force in the breakdown, dominating the contact area and winning crucial turnovers. His relentless work rate and intelligent decision-making were instrumental in disrupting the All Blacks' rhythm.

Peter O'Mahony (7/10): The captain led from the front with a commanding presence and inspirational leadership. He provided valuable leadership in the pack and his commitment to the cause was evident in every tackle and carry.

Tadhg Furlong (7/10): The tighthead prop provided a rock-solid platform for the Irish scrum, pushing the All Blacks back and creating opportunities for his teammates. He was a key figure in the Irish dominance in the set-piece battle.

Rob Herring (7/10): The hooker was a tireless worker, delivering accurate throws at the lineout and providing a solid presence in the scrum. He was a key contributor in the Irish forward pack's impressive performance.

Garry Ringrose (7/10): The center played a pivotal role in controlling the tempo of the game, making intelligent runs and creating space for his teammates. His understanding of the game and ability to distribute the ball efficiently were crucial to Ireland's success.

Josh van der Flier (7/10): The flanker was a tireless worker, covering every blade of grass and making crucial tackles. His unwavering work rate and ability to disrupt the All Blacks' backline were vital in securing victory.

Andrew Porter (7/10): The loosehead prop was a force in the scrum, holding his own against the formidable All Blacks pack. His scrummaging ability and willingness to carry the ball were key elements in the Irish forward pack's dominance.

Ciarán Healy (6.5/10): The prop came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact, injecting energy and physicality into the Irish pack. He provided valuable reinforcements in the latter stages of the game.

Jack Conan (6.5/10): The number eight came on as a substitute and continued the Irish momentum, making powerful runs and providing a physical presence in the back row. He added valuable depth to the Irish pack.

Joey Carbery (6.5/10): The fly-half came on as a substitute for Johnny Sexton and showed his composure under pressure, kicking accurately and distributing the ball efficiently. He provided a capable backup option for the veteran playmaker.

Conor Murray (6/10): The scrum-half came on as a substitute and played his part in maintaining Ireland's momentum, showcasing his experience and composure in a high-pressure situation.

New Zealand - A Tough Day at the Office

Richie Mo'unga (6/10): The All Blacks fly-half struggled to impose his influence on the game, finding it difficult to break down the Irish defense. His kicking accuracy was inconsistent, which hindered the visitors' ability to gain a foothold in the match.

Jordie Barrett (5.5/10): The fullback was a constant threat with ball in hand, but he was unable to break through the Irish defense with any regularity. He was involved in a few promising attacking moves but ultimately failed to make the most of his opportunities.

Will Jordan (5.5/10): The wing was limited in his opportunities, with the Irish defense snuffing out his attacking threat effectively. He struggled to find space and make an impact on the game.

Beauden Barrett (5.5/10): The fly-half came on as a substitute for Richie Mo'unga and tried to inject some attacking impetus into the All Blacks game, but he found it difficult to turn the tide. He was unable to spark a comeback for the visitors.

Ardie Savea (5/10): The flanker was a tireless worker, but he struggled to make a significant impact on the game. He was unable to disrupt the Irish breakdown as effectively as his teammates had in previous matches.

Dalton Papalii (5/10): The flanker was a committed performer, but he was unable to gain a foothold in the game. He was unable to make the most of his opportunities, and he lacked the decisive impact that has characterized his recent performances.

Sam Whitelock (4.5/10): The lock was a steady presence in the All Blacks pack, but he struggled to make a real difference in the game. He was unable to provide the same level of dominance in the lineout that he has demonstrated in the past.

Brodie Retallick (4.5/10): The lock was a powerful presence in the All Blacks pack, but he was unable to make a telling impact on the game. He was unable to gain the upper hand in the scrum or provide the same level of physicality that has characterized his performances in previous seasons.

Scott Barrett (4.5/10): The lock was a committed performer, but he struggled to make a significant impact on the game. He was unable to impose himself in the lineout or provide the same level of disruption in the contact area that he has demonstrated in the past.

Shannon Frizell (4.5/10): The flanker was a physical presence in the All Blacks pack, but he was unable to gain a foothold in the game. He was unable to make a significant impact on the breakdown or provide the same level of dynamism in the open field that has characterized his recent performances.

Ethan Blackadder (4/10): The flanker came on as a substitute for Dalton Papalii and tried to inject some physicality into the All Blacks pack, but he struggled to make a real difference in the game. He was unable to provide the same level of impact in the contact area that has characterized his performances in previous seasons.

Samisoni Taukei'aho (4/10): The hooker came on as a substitute for Dane Coles and tried to provide a strong presence in the All Blacks scrum, but he struggled to make a real difference in the game. He was unable to provide the same level of stability in the scrum that has characterized his performances in previous seasons.

Luke Jacobson (4/10): The flanker came on as a substitute for Ardie Savea and tried to provide some dynamism in the All Blacks back row, but he struggled to make a significant impact on the game. He was unable to break through the Irish defense or provide the same level of disruption in the contact area that has characterized his recent performances.

Caleb Clarke (4/10): The wing came on as a substitute for Will Jordan and tried to inject some pace and power into the All Blacks backline, but he struggled to make a real difference in the game. He was unable to find space or make an impact on the game.

Codie Taylor (4/10): The hooker came on as a substitute for Samisoni Taukei'aho and tried to provide a strong presence in the All Blacks scrum, but he struggled to make a real difference in the game. He was unable to provide the same level of stability in the scrum that has characterized his performances in previous seasons.

Dane Coles (3.5/10): The hooker started the game for the All Blacks but had a disastrous performance. He struggled to deliver accurate throws at the lineout and his scrummaging was far from his usual high standards. He was replaced at halftime.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Irish Rugby

The victory against the All Blacks was a testament to the growth and progress of Irish rugby. The team displayed a level of composure, skill, and tactical awareness that has rarely been seen before. The performance showcased a new era of Irish dominance, one that promises to be a thrilling journey for fans.

This match was a resounding statement of intent, proving that Ireland can compete with the best in the world on their own turf. As the Autumn Nations series unfolds, the expectations for Ireland will continue to soar. This victory has ignited a fire within the team, setting the stage for a historic and exciting chapter in Irish rugby history.