Test rugby: All Blacks beat Ireland 42-19 at Eden Park

The All Blacks’ 28-year winning streak at Eden Park remains intact, with New Zealand defeating Ireland 42-19 in the team’s first game of the year in Auckland tonight.

All Blacks Ardie Savea runs in a try.
Photo: PhotoSport / Marty Melville

More than 48,000 fans packed in for the All Blacks’ highly anticipated 2022 opener and – despite their Covid-disrupted preparation which saw key players and coaching staff step back – the home team did not disappoint.

Ireland notched up the first tries in both halves, scoring in the seventh minute and crossing the try line four minutes into the second half.

They also had the final word in the match with a try to Bundee Aki in the 76th minute.

But the All Blacks cruised to a 23-point victory with four tries in the first half and two in the second, with number eight Ardie Savea scoring either side of halftime.

All Blacks winger Sevu Reece scores a try against Ireland.
Photo: PhotoSport / Brett Phibbs

Fullback Jordie Barrett scored a try and converted all six for the All Blacks, while winger Sevu Reece, centre Quinn Tupaea and debutant loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula also crossed

Ireland dominated the early exchanges and grabbed Keith Earls’ try, repeating the feat through centre Garry Ringrose soon after the break and scoring the late consolation try through Auckland-born Aki.

PITA GUS SOWAKULA:

FIRST TEST✅
FIRST TRY ✅
INCREDIBLE MUSTACHE ✅ #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/lOgsbx5gQ0

— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) July 2, 2022

Despite this, the All Blacks dominated with three quick tries before halftime, a powerful scrum performance from the tight five and some strong defence to keep Ireland out.

New Zealand are now 1-0 up in the three-match series, with the next game in Dunedin.

The All Blacks have not lost a rugby Test at Eden Park in 47 matches since 1994. It also means Ireland – who had won three of the previous five Tests between the two teams – remain winless from their 13 tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

2022 off to a good start #NZLvIRE pic.twitter.com/TUWVVGYwke

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2022

See how the All Black’s first game of the year unfolded with Jamie Wall’s live blog here.

Ireland’s Keith Earls scores their first try in the first Test against New Zealand.
Photo: PhotSport / INPHO/Billy Stickland

– more to come