Lock: DEVIN TONER (Ireland)
Hit Brodie Retallick with preposterous power to force a huge turnover shortly after Ireland’s first penalty. Ireland have two other world-class line-out jumpers but Toner reigns supreme in the air. However, it would be unfair to limit his contribution to the set-piece. Toner uses his timber to considerable efficiency and has a real rugby brain. His ability to use his awkward frame in a defensive ruck to slow ball is an underappreciated trait and his x tackle count is striking.
Devin Toner and James Ryan with céad míle fáilte for Brodie Retallick.
Talk about setting the tone early on. pic.twitter.com/eUaJ20jBhD
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) November 18, 2018
Devin Toner a green giant!! #IREvNZL
— Dec Brennan 🏊⛳🏃🇮🇪 (@DecB1) November 17, 2018
Lock: JAMES RYAN (Ireland)
Almost seems as if there are two of him out there at times. Double figures for carries, tackles and rucks hit by half-time. Immense for 80+ minutes.
That’s a hell of a first year pro rugby for James Ryan. Won everything. Rugby. Completed it mate. #irenz
— Jonny Davis (@imaginejonny) November 17, 2018
If you woke up from a coma and were told the best 2nd row in the world was playing tonight, you’d have no hesitation saying it was James Ryan. Just freakish for his age.
— Pádraig Ó Cathasaigh (@PaddyCasey3) November 17, 2018
Flanker: MICHAEL LEITCH (Japan)
His try on the stroke of the 30th minute was a thing of beauty. Wriggled out of two tackles, skipped free and side-stepped Elliot Daly for good measure. By his own assessment to the media after he had a bad game. How very overly-critical.
Quality try from Michael Leitch pic.twitter.com/jgz5nU2vyB
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) November 17, 2018
Flanker: PETER O’MAHONY (Ireland)
Looks to be playing through the discomfort of a shoulder injury but still brought a serious level of intensity. Was kicking himself after a knock-on right at the start of the second half. His turnover just outside the Irish 22, minutes later, felt like a huge moment. Saved a certain try after the hour-mark when he chased back to claim a grubber.
A standing ovation.
Peter O’Mahony. Wow.
What a performance.
— RugbyLAD (@RugbyLAD7) November 17, 2018
Number 8: CJ STANDER (Ireland)
The 28-year-old was instrumental in establishing the base level for Ireland with a huge steal during the opening exchanges. Barrett kicked a second-half penalty and as New Zealand went in search of a vital equaliser, it was Stander who stood tall to force a huge turnover.
Fair play Ireland, unreal test match. Keeping the all blacks to 0 try’s the most impressive aspect. @peterom6 & @CJStander wiv an immense shift
👏👏👏— Tom Wood (@tomwood678) November 17, 2018