Julian Savea: First All Black to get a hat-trick against Ireland
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All Blacks wing Julian Savea scored a hat-trick on debut to help the world champions to a comprehensive 42-10 win over Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
The talented speedster crossed twice in the first half and again after the break to cap a memorable night in his first Test outing for New Zealand, as the home side opened their 2012 account with a bang.
The win also saw the All Blacks extend their winning run at Eden Park to 28 Tests, dating back to 1994.
The visitors were outscored five tries to one, and based on this quality performance from the hosts, it looks like Ireland will have to wait a little longer for that elusive victory over the men in black.
Whilst the scoreline resembles one-way traffic, it took a while for New Zealand to click into a gear as the Irish threatened to give the home side a run for their money early on - Rob Kearney in particular impressing with ball in hand.
But with the scores level 3-3 after fly-halves Dan Carter and Jonathan Sexton traded penalties between them, the All Blacks started to find some rhythm.
Carter, who produced a near flawless display from the tee, added two more penalties from 50m out to stretch his side's lead to 9-3 before Savea struck with his first try in the 25th minute and New Zealand never looked back.
Ireland kicked away possession, not for the first time, and Zac Guildford got away with a fumble that saw the ball roll sideways. From there, the All Blacks were able to send it wide to Conrad Smith, who switched with Sonny Bill Williams. The inside centre made one of his trademark one-hand offloads to Carter and he sent Savea away for his first Test try.
Carter converted from bang in front, and the writing was on the wall for Ireland as Savea was once again the man of the moment after crossing over out wide for try number two just before half-time.
Carter was on target once again with the touchline conversion to give the All Blacks a deserved 23-3 lead at half-time, leaving Ireland with a hill to climb after the break.
The hill became a mountain after Savea was celebrating his hat-trick three minutes into the second half. The Hurricanes flyer had Israel Dagg to thank after the full-back drew in the cover defence - following some good interplay between Conrad Smith and Kieran Read in midfield - to put Savea over in the corner.
Carter raised the flags to make it 30-3 and the result was all but sealed. That was until the Irish finally hit back through a try by Fergus McFadden who, after a turnover, chased a kick ahead from Sexton and beat Richie McCaw to the ball for a seven-pointer.
With Ireland now in double figures, the green army of supporters were given a glimmer of hope. However, it wouldn't last long as normal activity resumed shortly after when Read broke away from the back of a 5m scrum and gave the try-scoring pass to replacement Adam Thomson.
Both teams rang the changes with 20 minutes remaining and Ireland weathered another spell of pressure from the home team and looked to have clawed themselves back into a respectable position when McFadden outsprinted Dagg 80 metres to score under the posts. But referee Nigel Owens had already called back play for an Irish offside.
There was further reason for Irish hearts to flutter in the final minutes as loosehead prop Cian Healy was injured and replaced by hooker Sean Cronin.
Conrad Smith was then rewarded for a fantastic performance when he dived over to the right of the posts after a slick pass from replacement Aaron Cruden. Carter added the extras to make it a 32-point buffer and give the Irish plenty to ponder ahead of next week's second Test in Christchurch.
Man of the match: For Ireland, Sean O'Brien and Rory Best were the pick of the forwards while Rob Kearney was a pillar of strength at the back. New Zealand number eight Kieran Read proved why he's rated the best in his position, while Carter was his influential self at 10 - finishing with a match haul of 17 points. Scrum-half Aaron Smith produced an outstanding debut with his rapid service keeping the backline moving, but wing Julian Savea gets our vote. A constant threat out wide, the 21-year-old made history by becoming the first All Black to get a hat-trick against Ireland in only his first Test appearance.
Moment of the match: Even though there were six tries scored in all, we've opted for Savea's bone-crunching hit on Kearney that proved New Zealand's hat-trick hero is no slouch on defence either.
Villain of the match: No cards, but the Irish got out of jail a few times when holding back All Black players on the attack.
The scorers:
For New Zealand:
Tries: Savea 3, Thomson, C Smith
Cons: Carter 4
Pens: Carter 3
For Ireland:
Try: McFadden
Pen: Sexton
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Keith Earls, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Dan Touhy, 3 Declan Fitzpatrick, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Ronan Loughney, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Kevin McLaughlin, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Darren Cave.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Comments
NHsaints says...
Well...it can be safely said that savea is probably the new howlett/rocokoco for the all blacks if he can carry on with this form...and Ireland were always going to have a tough time, I just didn't expect their defence to be that bad...although had their defence been sound they'd have still lost by a good 15+ points. That's why Nz are world champions...not (as bokavenger suggests) because of the Irb or Refs ect.
Posted 12:42 09th June 2012
coolhandsmike says...
I would dearly love to see Ireland do well in this series and I don't subscribe to the inter-provincial trolling that sadly seems to cloud so many posters here. With the exception of one or two players, it looks like we have our best squad available yet there doesn't appear to be a strategy that works to the strengths of the team. How does a country that routinely produces the best club teams in Europe, so fundamentally fail to bridge the step up to international level. The gulf in class today was just awesome. Granted the Irish team has had a long season and they are facing off against a supremely talented team but the way the players and the management articulate themselves illustrates that they fully believed they could compete. Obviously you wouldn't expect them to say anything else however the result is a serious reality check. The question for me is - does this reflect a lack of ability on the part of the coach(s) from a strategy point of view, a lack of ability on the part of the players (which I think would be a harsh conclusion) or an organizational failure on the part of the IRFU, which would seem to make a mockery of the Player Management scheme and their attempts to prevent fatigue amongst the international pool of players.
The disappointment of this result was quite evident in the players, but it just amazes me that when you consider the appetite these guys have for playing the game at their respective provinces and the standards they hold themselves to, that Kidney for all his apparent man management skills, can't consistently get the best out of them and their strengths as individuals and as a unit. Granted its one game and we all have off days but this team has been off color for the last 2 years, with the odd bright spot. Since the Lions tour, for whatever reason, we've failed and unfortunately the responsibility for that must fall to the coach.
Posted 12:36 09th June 2012
startledwombat says...
First test of the season and no Brad Thorn and yet the tight five looked like they've been together as a unit forever.
Add to that some really fast delivery to the backline, and as a result the All Blacks were taking just a couple of phases to get good field position and penetration.
They also showed some composure about playing in the wet, too.
A somewhat intimidating win.
Posted 12:23 09th June 2012
marzie says...
The All-Blacks eased off after 50mins and it was that fact alone that kept the score down. I wish I had devoted my younger days to becoming Ireland rugby coach instead of dossing - outside of the public services his is the most protected job in the country. In fairness, Rory Best, Sean O'Brien and Donacha Ryan alone played to international class standard. Best is getting better and better.
Posted 12:20 09th June 2012
papachinzo says...
The All Blacks looked bored after 30 minutes, I'm surprised they played on.
Ireland looked ok at times, but their defence let them down big time.
If anyone from the SH was wondering: Yes, Keith Earls is a paid professional, Believe it or not.
Posted 11:55 09th June 2012
J_HDK says...
How to beat Declan Kidney's Ireland.
Get the ball out wide - fast.
You can't defend that narrow against NZ and not expect to leak plenty of tries.
Drift defence can be very effective but when you are grouped that tight with a big window out wide... it's like a red rag to a bull when playing NZ..
Some alternative adaptive defensive strategies must be employed if you are planning on beating the world number 1 team.
First try as a result of a strategically and technically poor kick from Murray.
I think it was Siavea's third try that could have been stopped if Zebo had even tried to make a tackle.
There was another try that could have been easily prevented (just goes to show how many tries there were) Earls committed to the tackle out wide when McFadden had it covered. Leaving a free man inside. Can't blame him too much though.
New Zealand were their usual professional selves. Flopping all over the breakdown and slowing ball down.. but that's what they are meant to do. One of the things that sets NZ apart is they time it so much better than other teams. Can't make excuses when the scoreline looks like that. Well played.
Was very happy with the performance of the Irish scrum. Fitzpatrick had a great game. Some great work at the breakdown.
I think what is most irritating about it is that even with that scoreline, NZ look as if they can be beaten...That's probably because most of their tries happen too quickly for them to sink in though.
Surprisingly I am still looking forward to the next test.
Posted 11:42 09th June 2012
johnthebean says...
NZ make it look easy. They do all the basics so well - securing fast ruck ball, accurate passing, making the right decisions in space. From Ireland's point of view - two more games to go, don't let the heads drop, at least they should learn and improve as a result of this.
Posted 11:27 09th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@KiwiLad who predicted "A rusty AB machine to run away with it in the final 15 mins 37-9" Great call. @Trinats who predicted "Just kidding Kiwilad, NZ 34 - 12 IRE" your prediction made me some money. Thanks!
Posted 11:27 09th June 2012
melkdave says...
A masterclass from New Zeland in defence and attack .Their sheer precision and pace on attack was a joy to watch ,while their defence was outstanding,giving the irish no space or time ,and very little possesion.A great game for anyone to watch ,espically youngsters and coaches in how to play the game
Posted 11:24 09th June 2012
swiwi says...
Positives for the Irish: scrum held up. Got a number of turnovers. Lineout was very solid. Need to work on: sorry, but O'Brien is not an international 7. Way too many easy yards thru the backs.
NZ: not at all convinced that Guildford has what it takes at international level, despite excellent S15 form. Not sure why they pulled Savea to put SBW on wing, and Carter at 12. Just pull Carter and put Cruden at 10. But a promising start to season.
Posted 11:22 09th June 2012
tweedledee49 says...
BokAvenger says...
Guarantee you we'll see the mandatory 5 forward passes per gane by the All Pacific totally ingored by the referees while Sir Richie McCheat will be allowed to play according to his own rule book, no doubt penned by Paddy O'Brien himself. Any Irishman who dares to tackle Dan Carter will probably be red carded and heaven help the Irish soul who dares to `disrespect' the haka by blinking, making eye contact, breathing, or even moves a muscle during the IRB's marketing promo, also known as the Haka. Just forfeit the tour now Ireland, the IRB have already entered a 3-0 victory to the Men in Black in their sacred book of rugby records.
Posted 18:15 08th June 2012
Hahahaha don't you feel like an arse? Lol. ireland put up a fight in the beginning but the All Blacks won this on their own with no help from the IRB. I hate taking my anger out on a whole nation because of the stupidity of one but i hope the Springboks lose so I can rub it in your face! Lol.
Posted 11:04 09th June 2012
powerplay says...
Hard luck Ireland, dont worry youll have another chance soon! Lol@Lomu, Savea did play well huh? Who to leave out when kahui and jane come back???
Posted 11:04 09th June 2012
Jediboy says...
I guess that's why they are no 1. Impressive display but a lot of turnovers. But I suspect that'll be put right.
Posted 11:02 09th June 2012
BokAvenger says...
All Pacific are obviously way better than Ireland but why must the referees make it even easier for them? Ref clearly had his Paddy O'Brien mic in his ear because he routinely ignored skew throw ins at the lineout by the APs. I also counted several forward passes, Guildford's blatant knock on led to a try and as per usual the APs had their own set of ruck laws which allows them to go over the top, hold the ball on the deck etc. Why do teams even bother playing the IRB's marketing gimmick, why don't they just install NZ at the top of the IRB ladder permanently?
Posted 11:00 09th June 2012
Honestpom says...
That was New Zealand somewhere near their formidable best. Great debut by Savea. Its going to be a long fortnight for Ireland now. Think you are doing ok against NZ and suddenly you're 15 - 20 points behind.
Posted 10:58 09th June 2012
KiwiLad says...
Apart from at the breakdown, the Irish were beaten all over the park.
Posted 10:58 09th June 2012
dwayne says...
As Deans would say, the All Blacks are building. Cory jane in for Guilford, Nonu, Peranera off the bench.
Posted 10:54 09th June 2012
Niall_A says...
Gutted as an Ireland fan, but hats off to New Zealand, their offloading and support play was incredible.
Time for Kidney to go, the mind boggles at how little Irish club form is carried forward to the international stage. I think the commentator said we have a 50% win rate post the grand slam in 2009, which is ridiculous considering the Irish clubs are consistently some of the best teams in European competition
Posted 10:46 09th June 2012
whizz52 says...
It looks grim for the next 2 tests for Ireland. ABs too good and new stars like Smith at halfback. ABs rock...
Posted 10:43 09th June 2012
tha_mai says...
some better finishing, less jersey-holding!, and better support play - Dagg, Carter getting away on their own, could easily have been closer to 60. And that throwaway intercept pass/try, shouldn't happen. Expect ABs to start with a few different players next week, give all the 30 squad a run in these tests. 6/10 and a 'could do better'.
Posted 10:43 09th June 2012