Resurgent All Blacks upset world No.1 Ireland as try machine Will Jordan continues his heroics
Updated . First published
The resurgent All Blacks upset world No.1 Ireland 23-13 in Dublin on Saturday (AEDT) to extend their winning streak to five Tests.
New Zealand entered the Autumn Nations Series clash ranked third in the world and in the rare position as underdogs.
But despite losing Jordie Barrett to a yellow card for a high tackle in the first half, the All Blacks showed increased composure in pressure moments to silence the packed Aviva Stadium crowd.
Watch the Wallabies and All Blacks tour Europe this November on Stan Sport. Stream every match of the Autumn Nations Series ad free, live and exclusive
Ireland had won their previous 19 Tests at their Dublin fortress.
Damian McKenzie, back at No.10 for Beauden Barrett (concussion), contributed 18 All Blacks points with his boot and classy fullback Will Jordan landed the crucial second half blow with his team's only try.
McKenzie was named man of the match while flanker Josh van der Flier scored Ireland's only try while Barrett was in the bin.
READ MORE: 'I was burning': Suaalii dishes on unique journey
READ MORE: Shock position as Suaalii picked for stunning debut
READ MORE: Manly roll the dice on veteran despite injury queries
Ireland were hoping to avenge their loss to New Zealand in last year's epic Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
But the men in green made some uncharacteristic errors in slippery conditions and got on the wrong side of Australian referee Nic Berry.
New Zealand's next assignment is against France in Paris on November 17.
NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington react to the big news that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his Wallabies debut against England
"The Irish are a great side and we knew coming here that it was going to be a tough match and down to the wire," McKenzie said on Stan Sport's coverage.
"I'm just really proud of the boys' efforts, particularly our forward pack, really muscled up and then our backs were able to build pressure through our kicking game.
"It's never easy to win here either. So we're very happy. We capitalised on a few great moments. Built some great pressure, managed to get a few penalties and score some points.
Will Jordan of New Zealand scores a try during the Autumn Nations Series. Getty
"So, yeah, we're over the moon with that one. It was a little bit wet underfoot so you've got to be pretty smart around our game plan.
"We tried to put the ball in front of our forwards through our kicking game, trying to control it and we did that well."
It was New Zealand's first win in Dublin for eight years.
The All Blacks dominated ball and territory, won the battles in the air and the set pieces, and largely controlled proceedings as Ireland lost at home for the first time in nearly four years.
The Irish conceded 13 penalties to New Zealand's five and McKenzie punished them with a masterful overall performance, his best of the year as the starting No.10.
Ireland came into the contest not having played since a July win over world champions South Africa in Durban.
Despite a camp in Portugal last week, a normally well oiled machine was grinding through the gears.
They took their only genuine try scoring chance but were otherwise smothered and outmuscled, and first year All Blacks coach Scott Robertson finally got his benchmark win against the team that has given New Zealand their most setbacks of late.
For all the tetchiness in these contests, this one was relatively serene.
The only brief tussle between the teams drew a chuckle in the stands from the 'Gladiator,' Irish actor Paul Mescal.
In a cagey first half, New Zealand looked far more likely to score a try, and won 54 of the 74 rucks.
Ireland was mainly on the defensive, forced to spoil at the breakdowns and harass halfback Cortez Ratima.
Garry Ringrose of Ireland is tackled by Jordie Barrett of New Zealand. Getty
But Ireland overplayed and conceded penalties that earned a warning from Berry.
McKenzie kicked three out of three for a 9-3 lead, which would have been a fair indicator of the half.
But right on halftime, Barrett was sinbinned for a high tackle on midfield opposite Garry Ringrose and Jack Crowley's second penalty gave Ireland a timely boost.
Garry Ringrose of Ireland celebrates his side's try scored by Josh van der Flier. Sportsfile via Getty Images
Knowing they started the new half with a 10 minute man advantage, the Irish upped their intensity.
They forced a 5m scrum and on the sixth attempt to pound the ball in, van der Flier succeeded.
Crowley's extras made it 13-9 in the 44th minute.
The Irish stormed back into the New Zealand 22 again but a neck roll penalty let the All Blacks off the hook and dampened the fire of the Irish, who would have been disappointed to score only seven points while playing against 14 men.
McKenzie was given a long range penalty kick and showed remarkable poise when the ball fell off the tee to regather his wits and slot it within the shot clock.
With Barrett back, New Zealand resumed control and Ireland's penalty count crept up.
Joe McCarthy of Ireland tussles with Scott Barrett of New Zealand. Sportsfile via Getty Images
A scrum penalty and another ruck penalty gave McKenzie more target practice and New Zealand went ahead 18-13 with 15 minutes to go.
Barrett then started the decisive try scoring move.
Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan made his second try saving tackle of the match on winger Mark Tele'a but the All Blacks went left and hooker Asafo Aumua gave Jordan an untouched run to the try line.
McKenzie couldn't convert but Ireland's impressive streak at home was over.
New Zealand 23 (Will Jordan try; Damian McKenzie 6 penalties) Ireland 13 (Josh van der Flier try; Jack Crowley conversion, 2 penalties). HT: 9-6
