All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland | 2026 Nations Championship

The All Blacks‘ 52-game unbeaten run at Eden Park went on the line in front of 48,153 of the team’s most devoted followers, and it was Ireland with the latest challenge to the historic record.

New Zealand ran out to an early 14-0 lead before a yellow card to Luke Jacobson contributed to some momentum for Ireland, but the visitors were their own worst enemies after a try to Jack Conan and gifted Will Jordan a response, with Asafo Aumua following suit three minutes later to give the hosts a 28-7 lead at the break.

The second half was an even tussle, but a late try to Anton Lienert-Brown cemented a 40-21 win for New Zealand.

Here’s how they rated.

1. Ethan de Groot – 7.5/10
The big tighthead was busy on the defensive side of the ball and happy to wrestle with Ireland’s hard-hitters. He ended the first half as New Zealand’s top tackler, making eight without a miss. The scrum battle wasn’t particularly interesting, with both teams operating at 100 per cent on some scrappy contests.

2. Codie Taylor – 7
The hooker missed an early breakdown assignment as Gary Ringrose won a penalty, but was on point thereafter around the ruck. His lineout ball was clean enough, with just one stolen as Ireland read the play like a book. The usually mild-mannered veteran was an instigator early, giving his opposite Dan Sheehan a shove in the back to kick off one of the numerous early fracas. Off after 30.

3. Tyrel Lomax – 5
Off after four minutes but returned after 15. Didn’t have the same impact with the ball in hand as last week, making just one carry in the opening half, while making a handful of tackles and missing two.

4. Josh lord – 7
Was busy in the wide channels early with some carries. Delivered a deft try assist when his locking partner Patrick Tuipulotu powered over for the first points of the game. Lord was driven back in a couple of early tackles but grew into the game physically and won some post-contact metres, contributing to New Zealand’s attacking momentum. As always, some of the safest hands in the business when called upon. Missed one of the tackles early in the second half as Ireland started to steamroll forward, and couldn’t hold Joe McCarthy out for the big Lion’s try.

5. Patrick Tuipulotu – 8
The big man got his pick-and-go game going after 10 minutes and was rewarded with the first try of the game. Was the busiest with the ball in the opening half, making 11 carries for the most metres of any forward. There were very few defensive challenges at lineout time from the All Blacks.

22m Entries

Avg. Points Scored

4.4

9

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Avg. Points Scored

2.6

8

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6. Tupou Vaa’i – 8
Vaa’i looked to be enjoying life as a flanker, getting some more touches down the wing and making the most of them, consistently beating the first tackle. Dave Rennie’s hope of having more quality lineout jumpers to pick from panned out well, with Vaa’i operating well.

7. Luke Jacobson – 7.5
Combined with Tupaea to hold up Ireland early, hit rucks with real vigour, was a safe lineout option and showed good distribution. His yellow card was certainly avoidable, but he did help New Zealand win a turnover at the end of the first half when Ireland were threatening to strike back.

8. Ardie Savea – 8
Good awareness of the rules to challenge around the ruck early. The captain was too fast and too strong to be contained when running off the scrum close to the line for New Zealand’s second try. Won a game-high of three turnovers.

9. Cam Roigard – 7.5
The star halfback botched one kick and threw a couple of shaky passes early, but always kept the Irish line honest with his movement and decision-making around the ruck. The contestable kicking depth, generally, left something to be desired.

10. Ruben Love – 8
Something of a bounce-back performance after Italy made his life difficult last week. Love was thrown some ugly passes early, but handled the scruffy balls well under pressure. There was more courageous work under the high ball, especially with his take in the 50th minute. Struck the ball well off the tee and went off after five conversions in 56 minutes.

11. Josh Moorby – 7
A robust showing for the winger on his starting debut. Moorby was busy off his wing early, won a defensive high ball and had a good offload to Vaa’i, with a great intercept after Ireland stole New Zealand’s lineout.

12. Jordie Barrett – 8.5
Another world-class performance from Barrett, who contributed all over the park for the All Blacks. He provided some strong clearances, his aerial work was excellent, and his rush defence again stood out. Just a dropped ball to begin the second half went against him, as it was quickly followed by Joe McCarthy’s try.

13. Quinn Tupaea – 8
The No.13 jersey requires Tupaea to be a workhorse in the less sexy areas of the game, and he once again proved more than capable. The Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year made his defence felt early by holding up Stuart McCloskey, and remained a strong force throughout his 67 minutes on the park. Tupaea’s work around the breakdown was strong and consistent, and he was called upon often for his strong carries, making the most of any All Black.

14. Will Jordan – 7
Had to deal with some of Ireland’s bigger ball-carriers early and gave up some metres. Picked up the Irish scraps to score New Zealand’s third try. Winning the ball back to start the second half was one of his better moments under the high ball this year.

15. Damian McKenzie – 9

The fullback proved difficult to put down throughout, always beating the first defender, topping the game in tackle busts by a handsome margin. His efforts were rewarded with a try in the 55th minute. A deserved Man of the Match by the end of the night.

Reserves – 8

Asafo Aumua and Xavier Numia added real sting to the All Blacks’ attack, and Caleb Clarke wasted no time in getting involved, beating defenders and making linebreaks. Lienert-Brown put the cherry on top of the performance in the 78th minute.