New Zealand ended Ireland’s 19-match winning streak at Lansdowne Road, running out deserved 23-13 victors over the world ranked number one side in a scrappy encounter.
Man of the match Damian McKenzie scored 18 of the All Blacks points — with Will Jordan maintaining his record of scoring a try every time he has played Ireland.
The Irish will have to regroup to host Argentina next Friday while the All Blacks play France.
Speaking after the game to TNT, McKenzie credited New Zealand’s pressure up front and kicking game for the win.
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“That was extremely tough,” he said.
“The Irish are a great side. We knew coming here it would be a tough match, down to the wire. The forward pack really muscled up and we built pressure through our kicking game. Never easy at the Aviva so we’re very happy.
“Test matches like that are won in small moments and we capitalised on a few. We managed to kick some penalties. We’re over the moon.
“It was a little wet under foot. We had to be smart. My mindset was making the forwards’ job as easy as possible and controlling it. We did that in periods. I’m really proud of the performance. We needed it.
“Tonight was a great night to do it. I was able to work on a great platform set by the forwards. It makes my job easier.”
New Zealand can return to the top of the rankings for the first time since 2019 if world champions South Africa lose to Scotland.
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