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
Carpelone says...
@ sandal
Noted. I hope that it can be applied consistently, including offside within 5m from the try line and for collapsing scrum. I am sure that this would even benefit New Zealand, even though this could mean leaking few tries in turn as well.
Posted 13:04 12th June 2012
blametheref says...
@Kiwikev
Yes a very very tough ask, but though NZ are the best on the planet they can be beaten in a one off super performance, a few decisions going ones way and a bit of luck, though it's a question whether Ireland believe more than anything as it seems that against NZ Ireland are beaten before they go on the pitch because they do not have the collective belief and I question whether all this bunch believe in their coach, I somehow doubt it so I expect more of the same from NZ, but I live in hope and optimism of something approaching a weird miracle...a bit like winning the lotto really!
Posted 12:28 12th June 2012
kiwikev says...
@ blametheref
That is quite the "To Do" List; if Ireland can do half of it, they might make a game of it.
One fly in the ointment may be those pesky lads in the black kit...
Posted 10:33 12th June 2012
blametheref says...
Norm, don't think this is a time to try anything new in the 2nd test, leave that for the 3rd test. Four positives for Ireland for test 2 are, Nigel Owens is the ref, he's a bit easier at scrum time, we could have had 3 if not 4 tries last Saturday with just a bit more precision and less panicky forced play, we won more turnovers 16 to the AB's 13, we did ok in the line out.
For test 2 we need a 7 that is more a 7 to put way more pressure on the 9 and 10 who had way to easy a ride in test 1, O' Mahony can fill that role. O' Brien should go to 8 as he's always played well for Leinster there and Mc Loughlin should be 6, he offers carrying, line out and hard hitting. O' Callaghan should partner the mobile Tuohy as I believe this offers a more rounded and experienced 2nd row and a shade more grunt than with Ryan.
Reddan, Sexton, D'arcy, BOD should play as they are the most successful back 4 Ireland have with Trimble, Zebo and Kearney. Hopefully Ross and Healy are fit. If Ireland could get their noses in front this leaves a bench with a bit of impact (which I've changed from my original bench): Cronin, Fitzpatrick, Ryan (who can also play back row), Henry or Heaslip (don't know enough about Henry to decide this but he may be better as he can fill in at 7), O' Gara, Murray and Cave.
What Ireland need to do:
1. Quicker ball from set pieces
2. Not to kick possession away
3. Maintain the turnover advantage from test 1 and concede less than test 1 by being more ruthless
4. Hold on to the ball longer from 2nd and 3rd phase inside our own half with pick and go before giving it to the backs when it is only on to do so, this is the crucial area where the AB's can be slowed down and driven back
5. Attack their line out at every opportunity, contest every ball, I believe their line out isn't as strong as some would like to think
6. Back ourselves, try things
Posted 08:55 12th June 2012
sandal says...
@ Carpelone
I quote from the IRB rulebook.
""Penalty Try. If a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent, a penalty try is awarded between the goal posts.""
Posted 08:18 12th June 2012
Norm says...
agree with Blametheref re the fatigue. Particularly for those who were in the Lions. Thats 2 out of 4 years where these guys play pretty much 12 months non stop!
Big step backwards to bring in darcy, what do we learn from that. Cave or Mc Fadden to pair BOD in the centre. Trimble should stay on the bench.
With a look to the future I was impressed with both Ryan and O'Mahoney, definitely stick with the 2nd row, we forge a new 2nd row on this tour!
Blametheref
Novel situation for you and I to be in here, but there is no way O'Gara should start on Saqturday unlike you however I cannot countenance that Kidney would make this call anyway. If he does or if he reinstates Darcy then he should be fired on the spot.
Also get heaslip the hell onto the bench for Saturday. Stupid errors and penalties given away again. More disappointly though, watching kieran Read on Sat past reminded me of exactly the way that Heaslip was playing in 2009. Where did that guy go? Finally another positive and further prove that Best is one of the best hookers in the world!
1 healy
2 Best
3 Fitzpatrick ( he deserves the opportunity to build further)
4 Tuohy
5 Ryan
6 SOB
7 POM
8 Henry
9 Reddan
10 Sexton
11 Zebo ( One more pansy ass attempt and a tackle and he is off)
12 BOD
13 Cave
14 Trimble
15 Kearney
Cronin, Ross, DOC, Heaslip, Murray, ROG, McFadden
Posted 19:40 11th June 2012
melkdave says...
The thing to remember is that when the SH teams come north its usually after a break and a 2-3 week training camp .While the poor NH teams have just started a new season and only get 7 days for a training camp .So it hasnt really been a level playing field in regards to prearation time ,for the aurtum tests or until this year the summer tests .Also lets not forget the vast majority of SH victorys in the aurtum is by the ABs ,who individually do the basic skills alot better than their NH opponents ect .Australia and SA record when comming north isnt really outstanding imo
Posted 15:07 11th June 2012
Trader2 says...
@APV1 good comments, we can all get carried away at times (I myself have gone over the top once or twice). I think the Ed has handled this right. Appreciate your comments on AB's performance, probably their best 1st up match for a long time and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes.
@blametheref I did not take from your comments that you thought Ireland would have won with a rest but will take issue with you in that "NZ sending new players" that is incorrect and the 26-30 or so who tour have always been the core players who had completed the home season. In recent years the AB's have won 3 Grand Slams your assumptions would tend to denigrate the NH nations performance even more. This is the professional era, you need depth and pleading that I am a little tired and need to get my head down is not a mitigating factor for poor performance I am afraid.
Posted 13:31 11th June 2012
APV1 says...
@ kiwieire02 - I saw the interview and comments from Shane Horgan and remember thinking that he'd absolutely nailed it. It summed up the NZ team to a tee:
"...they play simple rugby using the basics you are taught as a school boy but they do them perfectly and clinically thats why they are what they are."
And didn't they just? I don't remember seeing anything particularly flash or unusual (a la Cipriani or Cooper), but each player did their job so bloomin' well, it was just a lesson for us all.
Well done to Ireland for keeping it as close as they did, but an absolute masterclass from NZ.
And Savea certainly announced his arrival. 3 tries on debut and didn't even play the full 80?! Wow!
Ed - it's very difficult for many of us not to rise to the obvious trolls on here. Perhaps you and the editorial team could, perhaps, edit the posts before they are published. many of us have had our wrists slapped for going a bit too far and have taken that on board. But some haven't and are still given a public platform to spout their nonsense. I feel, therefore, that the PR Editors need to accept some of the responsibility for the reactions. It's not censorship, it's sensible editing of an internet troll.
The shame of it is, sometimes the same people actually post sensible comments. And we certainly don't want to take the humour, jests and wind-ups out of the site, as that's one of the great things about rugby fans - the good-natured banter.
Food for thought...
The editor says.... APV1 - I hear what you say, but we simply cannot edit every comment that is posted. We'd have no time for anything else! The answer is just don't feed the troll. Rest assured, your favourite troll is on the brink of being banned.
Posted 11:51 11th June 2012
Carpelone says...
@ sandal
This is what the Laws say. However, this never applies to the All Blacks (remember S. Siro few years ago). You must admit that you some time get away with it, maybe simply because referees (like school teachers) are more indulgent with the best in class.
@ blametheref
Fatigue could be a factor for the French or the English, since they are involved in the Top 14 and in the AVIVA Premiership, which are corroding. The Celtic League is a farce, which is probably why the Irish Provinces have good results in the HC. When you meet the ABs or the Boks, it is simply another level of challenges. Not all the players are capable of coping with it.
Posted 10:48 11th June 2012
kiwikev says...
@ blametheref
I did not interpret any of your comments to say that Ireland would have won because to suggest such an outcome is laughable. Not simply because the AB are so skilled but because as you, and several others, have made abundantly clear, Irish professional club rugby prowess has not translated to success at the Test level.
I think DK's days are numbered and it seems that you should consider following the Welsh.
Posted 10:26 11th June 2012
Wallaroo says...
A belated congratulations to the AB's on a superb win. AB's are looking strong, some brilliant play. Love the new Lomu, Savea has been great in S15 but stepped up to internationals brilliantly. SBW and Smith are an excellent centre pairing.
Irish were lucky to be beaten by only 32 points.
AB's are IMO the SH kings.
Posted 10:12 11th June 2012
isthatrightref says...
@ GCP_JONES... the only ones "dissing Richie" are the usual suspects i.e. the master baiter & Bokwhatever, some of us AB supporters are merely pointing out that Richie isn't making some of those 34 arrivals quite as quickly as he once did... if that's a result of the injury layoff & comes right then all good but if not then maybe it's time to look at other options at 7 & whether Richie can switch to 6 a la the Iceman post his knee recon. Hard to think of a better mentor for say Cane, or a better bloke wearing 19 should it come to that.
@ tha_mai... Read is surely the next captain & the transition could (as opposed to should) be made as soon as the November tour. We'll obviously have a new skipper come 2015 so why not make the change sooner rather than later & give Read (or whoever) the benefit of McCaw's experience should they choose to draw upon it? I know the whole senior pro thing is a bit old-school but provided it's done right i.e. everyone including said senior pro knows who's in charge there's no reason it can't work - certainly seems to for the Crusaders.
Posted 10:11 11th June 2012
kiwikev says...
The editor says.... @EVERYONE: Can we move on now please and get back to rugby? IGNORE BokAvenger - we established a long time ago that he is just trying to cause trouble.
Thank you...
Posted 10:10 11th June 2012
porridge_time says...
Sextonshorts...
This is a blog on the AB v Ireland. Therefore Scotland's short comings irrelevant, but it says more about your. I fully appreciate how difficult it must be for you, because you see the likes of BOD and Kearney shine week in week out. So to see these stars made to look pedestrian would irk;-)
Posted 09:52 11th June 2012
tha_mai says...
not seen any thread or discussion on this, anyone know why Ireland are not playing any midweek games, as Wales and England are?
Posted 09:52 11th June 2012
costa says...
The editor says.... Your comment has been deleted because it is not about rugby. Please move on to a new topic.
Posted 09:49 11th June 2012
blametheref says...
On my point about fatigue, I think some are deliberately taking me up wrong, because I never said Ireland would have won the match but merely that the Irish players are a lot better than they showed. Some are saying that the AB's come North after a hard season and win, maybe, but they are usually trying new players and not coming in a World Cup year where there are pre WC training camps and matches prior to setting off, which amounted in total to 3 months for Irish players for the last WC alone. Leinster coach, New Zealander, Joe Schmidt, alluded to the fatigue factor with the Irish players only recently and I believe he is right.
The other factor with the Irish Team "problem" is that most Irish supporters and some commentators believe that the Irish coach is simply not up to coaching at this level and relies on an out of date style of play, and some players, that brought him success in the past. He does not understand or appreciate what Joe Schmidt is doing with the talent he has at Leinster and in that Respect Kidney seems to show a grudging direspect for a style that wins..
Posted 09:10 11th June 2012
sextons_on_fire says...
@porridgetime
"Simply it's just a case of not being good enough really."
What, unlike Scotchland...proud holders of the wooden spoon??? hahahahaahaa BOOM......(Bag)Pipe down there Braveheart, and maybe concentrate on your own country's failings before pointing out ours...LOL XD
Posted 08:59 11th June 2012
porridge_time says...
Using the long hard season as an excuse does not wash really, remember the AB's travel north every year at the end of a long season. They also are invariably missing some players through injury and blooding newbies.
Ireland could not cope with speed and tempo the AB's play at, also the gulf in skill levels were noticeable across the field.
Posted 06:14 11th June 2012