Ireland vs New Zealand: Player Ratings 2024
The clash between Ireland and New Zealand is always a spectacle, and the 2024 encounter was no different. A hard-fought battle saw the Irish emerge victorious, showcasing their growing dominance on the international stage. Let's delve into the individual performances with our player ratings for this exhilarating contest.
Ireland: A Collective Effort
Johnny Sexton (9/10): The veteran fly-half orchestrated the Irish attack with precision, kicking intelligently and distributing the ball with authority. His experience shone through in crucial moments, leading by example.
Caelan Doris (8/10): A tireless workhorse in the back row, Doris was a constant threat on both sides of the ball. He dominated the breakdown, securing turnovers and making crucial tackles.
Hugo Keenan (8/10): The fullback was a menace in attack, showcasing his pace and elusive footwork. He was also secure under the high ball, ensuring a clean and efficient backfield.
James Lowe (7/10): The wing was a consistent threat on the wing, scoring a vital try and creating havoc with his running lines.
Garry Ringrose (7/10): The center was a rock in defense, shutting down the New Zealand midfield. He also contributed with some incisive attacking runs.
The Rest of the Irish Squad (7/10): The remaining Irish players all played their part in this hard-fought victory. The pack delivered a dominant performance, especially in the scrum, and the backline was solid in defense.
New Zealand: A Disappointing Performance
Beauden Barrett (6/10): While showing glimpses of his brilliance, Barrett struggled to control the game as effectively as he usually does. His kicking game was also inconsistent, leaving points on the field.
Ardie Savea (7/10): Savea was a tireless workhorse, but he lacked the impact in attack that has become his trademark. His work rate in defense was undeniable.
Will Jordan (6/10): Jordan failed to live up to his usual high standards. While making some powerful runs, he lacked the clinical edge in attack that we've come to expect from him.
Rieko Ioane (6/10): Ioane looked dangerous with ball in hand but struggled to find space against a well-organized Irish defense.
The Rest of the New Zealand Squad (6/10): The All Blacks lacked the cohesion and dynamism we've seen in the past. They made too many unforced errors, allowing Ireland to capitalize on their mistakes.
Overall
This was a resounding victory for Ireland, showcasing their growth as a team and their ability to compete with the best in the world. New Zealand, however, will need to regroup and improve their performance if they want to remain at the top of the rugby pyramid. The player ratings reflect a hard-fought battle where the Irish collective effort ultimately proved too much for the All Blacks to overcome.