Tops/Flops New Zealand – Ireland: Savia is on fire, clover lacks realism

Tops

Ardi Savia, the strongman in the New Zealand package

While the All-Blacks are still looking for a worthy successor to Kieran Read in third place at the center of the line, Ardie Savea has done more than provide an element of response to Ian Foster and his staff against Ireland. The regular third-line winger, like his teammates at the front, kept the barracks enclosed as the All-Blacks largely dominated discussions, putting the Clover XV pack into a state of torture. But his performance does not stop there. After following a match at Aaron Smith’s foot, he scored his fourth attempt just before the break (37), then gave himself a second-half brace (52) after a personal exploit as he baffled three Irish defenders before flattening. capital performance.

The Barrett brothers wear New Zealand clothes

The Imperials against the 15th club, Bowden, Scott and Jordy Barrett fired the All-Blacks Summer Tour perfectly. Strong in his role as top scorer (6/6, 12 points), full-back Jordi also distinguished himself by scoring his first attempt (20), after a more than complicated start to the match and the Irish dominated it. Meticulous in his picks, opening goal Beauden fired the game perfectly for his partners, as evidenced by a foot-to-foot assist and millimeter pass to the attention of his center Quinn Tupaea, for New Zealand’s third attempt (35). Finally and as always, third-grader Scott proved invaluable in his defensive slaying, constantly coming in to slow Irish ball exits and ensuring multiple touchdowns.

Peter O’Mahony stood in front of the New Zealand strikers

Undoubtedly, the Irish are the most memorable on Saturday. Named captain after Jonathan Sexton’s early exit (see below), the indestructible Peter O’Mahony knew how to set an example for his people to thwart New Zealand’s plans. By hitting tackles (19), the Irish third line scratched two balls to the ground and proved to be of paramount importance to facing the All-Blacks in the running areas.

flops

The lack of Irish realism

If the All Blacks’ victory seems tough at the end of the first Test of the Summer Tour, the score is by no means revealing. But the Irish have fished out in the last sign of hope for improvement in Eden Park in Auckland. A total of three attempts for his teammates Jonathan Sexton will be rejected. Joey Carbery (58th), Josh van der Vlaer (59th) and Andrew Porter (75th) finished all three races behind goal, but without being able to flatten, after a striker or after they came back with an all-black defense. Add to that playing time spent in the opponent’s 22 meters during the first term (4 minutes 30 attempts for Ireland, 30 minutes and four attempts for New Zealand) and the slap received by the 15th from Clover has enough to leave some. Contrition.

Another concussion for Sexton

Years passed and the affliction continues. After a heavy charge from Sam Cane, Jonathan Sexton suffered another concussion of his career, on New Zealand soil. After not responding favorably to the concussion protocol, he was replaced by Joey Carbery (31). An exit has dire consequences for Andie Farrell and his crew, as the Irish captain is a staple of the 15th start, as evidenced by his first half hour of the soaring flight. It remains to be seen if Leinsterman will be able to hold his place during the next two Tests of the Summer Tour in Dunedin on July 9, and then in Wellington on July 16.

Repeated inaccuracy

With 14 penalties against the All-Blacks and 11 against Ireland, English referee Karl Dickson did not lack work during this first round in Auckland. The match was also marred by a large number of ranks to return, but also the attackers’ pass and ruthless passes, especially on the Irish side. At the end of a grueling season, both teams hope to show more discipline and precision over the next two Saturdays.