Irish fold as Sexton sidelined
42 Ireland 19
N Zealand
NICK PATTISON IRELAND caved in after a bright start – and lost captain Johnny Sexton to injury – as New Zealand romped to victory in the first Test in Auckland.
Keith Earls scored his 35th international try inside six minutes as
Andy Farrell’s side flew out of the blocks at a sold-out Eden Park.
But things swiftly unravelled on a punishing evening.
Ardie Savea claimed two of the ruthless All Blacks’ six tries, with Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Quinn Tupaea and debutant Pita Gus Sowakula also crossing.
Influential fly-half Sexton was forced off in the aftermath of Reece’s breakaway try, having slipped and collided with Kiwi captain Sam Cane in the build-up.
Sexton failed a head injury assessment and must now be considered a major doubt for next weekend’s second Test in Dunedin.
He has a history of concussion and it seems likely he will have to stand down for at least 12 days.
Ireland made the scoreline more respectable thanks to second-half tries from Garry Ringrose and New Zealand-born Bundee Aki.
But they paid a heavy price for repeated defensive lapses.
Centre Ringrose said:
“It was a good start and then after that we lost a few simple moments.
“It changed the momentum of the game and they were very clinical in finishing the chances they got.
“I’m never pleased after losing a game – so for us it’s being tough and honest with each other, taking individual responsibility and then collectively trying to be better for next week.”
The result avenged November’s 29-20 defeat in Dublin and extended the All Blacks’ impressive 28-year unbeaten run in a stadium which has become a fortress.