Stuart McCloskey
One of the defining moments of the Test belonged to McCloskey — and not for the right reasons.
His no-look pass from deep inside Ireland territory was intercepted by Will Jordan, gifting the All Blacks a crucial try just moments after Ireland had worked their way back into the contest. With momentum finally swinging towards the visitors, it proved a devastating blow from which they never recovered.
Defensively, Ireland’s midfield looked vulnerable throughout the opening half, while McCloskey was also turned over just metres from the New Zealand line during another promising attack.
To his credit, he responded with several powerful carries after the interval and remained Ireland’s primary source of go-forward ball. However, the damage had already been done.
For a player who has enjoyed an excellent year, this was a surprisingly below-par display.
James Ryan
Ryan never stopped working and once again emptied the tank for Ireland, but it was another reminder that effort alone is not enough against the very best sides.
His handling error inside the opening quarter squandered a promising attacking opportunity deep inside the All Blacks’ 22 and summed up Ireland’s afternoon — plenty of endeavour, but not enough precision.
As always, Ryan threw himself into the physical battle and completed another industrious shift around the park, yet he struggled to impose himself on the game when Ireland needed a dominant presence in the second row.
It was a typically honest performance, but not one that changed the course of the contest.
