All Blacks beat Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park: 53rd consecutive home win

New Zealand defeated Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park in Auckland in the third round of the Nations Championship, extending their home winning streak to 53 matches over 32 years.

Six tries to three was the final tally of a match dominated by the All Blacks, who led 28-7 at halftime after an impressive display of the "fast and fearless" style head coach Dave Rennie has been implementing. New Zealand looked sharper, more decisive and in control compared to their earlier outings this season.

"We wanted to start well and we did," said Damian McKenzie, dangerous both from fullback and flyhalf. First-half tries came from Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan (his 51st test try) and Asafo Aumua. Jack Conan replied for Ireland.

Quinn Tupaea was a dynamo in midfield for New Zealand, while set pieces functioned smoothly, providing quality ball for an expansive attacking game that troubled the Irish defence throughout.

Ireland arrived at Eden Park high on confidence after previous results but failed to impose their rhythm, making too many errors in the first half. Andy Farrell's men sought to slow the game down, but New Zealand subverted that tactic by forcing turnovers and kicking sparingly.

In the first two rounds of the Nations Championship, the All Blacks had already beaten France and Italy.

Sources

• AP News — New Zealand beats Ireland 40-21: https://apnews.com/article/nations-championship-new-zealand-ireland-a02f4627cf5f2ddbd7c3de20c0609f97