The All Blacks defeated Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park in Auckland in Round 3 of the Nations Championship, extending their winning streak at the venue to 53 matches over 32 years. Six tries to three was the final tally in a dominant performance that confirmed New Zealand's strong form after earlier wins over France and Italy.
Under head coach Dave Rennie, New Zealand played a bold, ball-in-hand game backed by strong set-piece work and physicality at the breakdown. The All Blacks raced to a 28-7 halftime lead with four tries from Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, and Asafo Aumua, leaving Ireland chasing the game from early on.
Ireland fought back in the second half through Joe McCarthy in the 45th minute and Hugo Keenan in the 63rd, but New Zealand always had an answer. Damian McKenzie, dangerous from both fullback and flyhalf, scored after a sustained attacking phase, and Anton Lienert-Brown sealed the win with his try in the 79th minute.
