Josh van der Flier of Ireland is congratulated by team-mate Caelan Doris after scoring their side’s first try during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Wicklow’s Josh van der Flier took Ireland’s only try at the AVIVA on Friday night, but despite pushing his side into the lead, Ireland fell to a 10-point defeat against New Zealand’s All Blacks.
In a game in which penalties accounted for most of the scoring – and these scoring chances were largely conceded by Ireland to the All Blacks – Ireland trailed 6-9 at half-time. Shortly after the break, however, former World Player of the Year van der Flier powered over for the night’s first try, helping Ireland to a 13-9 lead.
It was to be Ireland’s last score, as it turned out. New Zealand’s Damien McKenzie kicked 18 points from penalties, while a late try by Will Jordan sealed a clear All Blacks win.