HIGHS AND LOWE FOR SUPERIRISH

29 New Zealand

20

JAMES LOWE says he will treasure the memory of a thrilling win over his native New Zealand and expects rivals to take note of Ireland’s eye-catching rugby.

Former Maori All Blacks winger Lowe, who qualified for Ireland last autumn on residency rules, set the hosts on course for Saturday’s statement 29-20 victory in Dublin with a superb opening score (above).

The 29-year-old gained the approval of a raucous capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium once more by producing a try-saving tackle to deny Kiwi centre Rieko Ioane late in the game.

Victory for Andy Farrell’s men was a seventh in succession and backed up the impressive demolition of Japan last weekend, when the in-form Lowe was also on the scoresheet.

“We put in a performance against the world’s best and came out on top,” he said. “I had never played against New Zealand before.

“There were a few key moments that determined the outcome of the game and I’ll cherish the win.”

Lowe dived over in the left corner inside 15 minutes, but that was all Ireland had to show for their first-half dominance over the All Blacks and they somehow trailed 10-5 at the break.

Second-half scores from Ronan Kelleher and Caelan Doris (above) deservedly turned the scoreboard in their favour, with three penalties from replacement fly-half Joey Carbery ultimately proving crucial.

Ireland wrap up their autumn campaign against Argentina next Sunday and face a three-Test tour of New Zealand next summer.

Lowe says the team must strive to maintain current standards following a third win over the All Blacks in the past five years.

“We’ve got our own identity and it’s great,” he said. “We didn’t play negative footy, like the stereotype South Africa – not playing the game the way it should be played and they win. We are not going to take a backwards step now.”