Lowe: I’ll cherish memory
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.
The 29-year-old again gained the approval of a raucous capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium late on by producing a try-saving tackle to deny Kiwi centre Rieko Ioane.
Victory for Andy Farrell’s men was a seventh in succession and backed up last weekend’s impressive demolition of Japan, during which 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.
“You don’t get to play against New Zealand very often. I have never played against New Zealand (until now).
“There were a few key moments that determined the outcome of the game. I’ll cherish the win.
“We’re playing the way rugby should be played.
“To play against the best team, the way they probably play the game and to beat them at their own game in a lot of ways, it’s huge for the confidence.
“It’s huge and it’s what we want to carry on doing.”
Lowe dived over in the left corner inside 15 minutes, but that was all Ireland had to show for their first-half dominance and they trailed 10-5 at the break.
Second-half scores from Ronan Kelleher and Caelan Doris deservedly turned the scoreboard in their favour, with three penalties from replacement fly-half Joey Carbery ultimately proving crucial.