All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland: Nations Championship

Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 10:23

bySteven Smith

All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland as New Zealand complete perfect 3/3 Nations Championship start with Eden Park statement win.

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All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland:

15. DAMIAN McKENZIE – 9

Officially named Player of the Match after another electric display. Constantly threatened Ireland with his counter-attacking, scored New Zealand's fifth try and seamlessly switched to fly-half after Ruben Love's departure. A couple of handling errors prevented a higher mark, but he controlled the game brilliantly.

14. WILL JORDAN – 9.5 ⭐

RUCK's Player of the Match. Alertly punished Stuart McCloskey's loose pass for his 51st Test try before producing the defensive moment of the match with a sensational tackle on Ciarán Frawley to win a penalty. Rounded off a magnificent afternoon with a superb offload for Anton Lienert-Brown's late try.

13. QUINN TUPAEA – 7

Carried with real purpose throughout and repeatedly got New Zealand over the gainline. Played an important role in the build-up to McKenzie's try, although his deliberate knock-on gifted Ireland the field position that eventually led to Hugo Keenan crossing.

12. JORDIE BARRETT – 7.5

A composed display against his former teammates. Outstanding under the high ball to reclaim Roigard's box kick and distributed intelligently throughout. One handling error early in the second half was his only real blemish.

11. JOSH MOORBY – 8.5

One of New Zealand's quiet stars. Excellent under the high ball, made several important carries and linked brilliantly with teammates throughout. His break helped create the final try and he looked assured every time Ireland kicked in his direction.

10. RUBEN LOVE – 9

His best Test performance in black. Controlled territory superbly, produced a brilliant 50:22 that led to Asafo Aumua's try and kicked flawlessly from the tee. Also impressed under the high ball before making way shortly before the hour.

9. CAM ROIGARD – 7.5

Directed the All Blacks well with quick service and intelligent kicking. Kept Ireland pinned back for long periods and managed the tempo effectively before being replaced in the closing stages.

1. ETHAN DE GROOT – 7

A solid 50-minute shift before being replaced. Scrummaged well, got through plenty of work around the field and helped New Zealand establish dominance up front without producing a standout highlight.

2. CODIE TAYLOR – 7

Another dependable outing from the experienced hooker. Accurate at the lineout and busy around the field before making way late in the first half. Helped lay the platform for New Zealand's dominant opening period.

3. TYREL LOMAX – 7

Recovered from an early injury scare to return and produce another physical display. Held his own at scrum time, carried effectively and put in a resilient shift before eventually being replaced in the second half.

4. JOSH LORD – 8

Excellent in the lineout, winning key possession and providing quality ball throughout. Claimed the lineout that launched McKenzie's try and worked tirelessly around the park in another impressive display.

5. PATRICK TUIPULOTU – 8

Powered over for New Zealand's opening try and dominated the lineout during the first half. Conceded the penalty that led to Ireland's second score but remained one of the All Blacks' standout forwards before being replaced.

6. TUPOU VAA'I – 7

Worked tirelessly in the tight exchanges and brought his usual physicality. Conceded a late first-half penalty that gave Ireland one last opportunity before the break, but otherwise enjoyed another solid outing.

7. LUKE JACOBSON – 6

A frustrating afternoon. His yellow card proved costly as Ireland scored during his spell in the sin bin, although he responded well after returning with some strong defensive work and an important breakdown turnover alongside Savea.

8. ARDIE SAVEA (C) – 9

Led by example once again. Scored a brilliant solo try, carried relentlessly and was immense at the breakdown. Another inspirational captain's performance that set the tone for New Zealand's victory.

REPLACEMENTS

16. ASAFO AUMUA – 8.5

Introduced late in the first half, he made an immediate impact by powering over for a try before the interval. Continued to trouble Ireland with his carrying after the break, recovered a loose lineout to launch the final attack and helped create Anton Lienert-Brown's late score.

17. XAVIER NUMIA – 6.5

Settled quickly after replacing De Groot and did everything asked of him. Solid in the scrum and reliable around the field during a tidy second-half cameo.

18. FLETCHER NEWELL – 6.5

Called into action temporarily after Lomax's early injury scare before returning to the bench once the tighthead was fit to continue. A brief but composed contribution.

19. PETER LAKAI – 5.5

A difficult introduction after immediately failing to secure a lineout. Improved defensively as the game wore on but was unable to make a significant impact.

20. ANTON SEGNER – 6.5

Worked hard after replacing Tuipulotu and maintained New Zealand's intensity around the breakdown. A solid, no-frills contribution in the closing stages.

21. CORTEZ RATIMA – 6.5

Came on to see out the final stages and kept the All Blacks ticking over with crisp service and good game management.

22. CALEB CLARKE – 7

Made an immediate impression with a powerful break and several strong carries after replacing Ruben Love. Added fresh energy to New Zealand's attack during the closing quarter.

23. ANTON LIENERT-BROWN – 7.5

Made an instant impact by finishing New Zealand's final try after excellent work from Will Jordan. A clinical finish capped an impressive cameo off the bench.