All Blacks Win First Test Against Ireland

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 42-19 in their first test at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday night.

As was expected, it was a tough physical match early on, with the Irish getting the first try in the 5th minute to winger Keith Earls. The All Blacks did not help themselves with handling errors, but got on the board in the 20th minute with a try to Jordie Barrett, and again the the 29th minute when Sevu Reece picked up a loose ball to run 75 metres untouched. Second five Quinn Tupaea added the third try off a Beauden Barrett grubber kick, and Ardie Savea pounced on a loose ball in the Irish goal to see the All Blacks go to half time with four tries and a 28-5 lead.

The Irish struck back early in the second half with a try to centre Garry Ringrose to reduce the margin to 28-12, but Ardie Savea then struck back for the All Blacks with his second. The Irish held a territorial and possession advantage for the match, but handling errors saw the ball lost over the line twice when scoring, and strong defense and scrummaging from the All Blacks proved the difference.

New Zealand All Blacks: 42  

Tries: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Quinn Tupaea, Ardie Savea 2, Pita Gus Sowakula, Conversions: J Barrett 6 

Ireland: 19 

Tries: Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Conversions: Joey Carberry 2