New Zealand 40–21 Ireland: match report & highlights

Jul 18, 2026

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Full-time: New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland

New Zealand dominated Ireland in a Nations Championship encounter that saw the All Blacks establish an commanding lead early and never relinquish it. Patrick Tuipulotu opened the scoring inside the opening quarter, and despite Ireland hitting back through Jack Conan, New Zealand's attacking prowess proved too much to contain. Ardie Savea and Will Jordan crossed in quick succession, with Asafo Aumua adding another try before the interval to establish a substantial advantage that left Ireland with a mountain to climb.

Ireland showed greater resilience in the second half, with Joe McCarthy and Hugo Keenan both touching down to claw back some ground. However, the damage was already done. Damian McKenzie extended New Zealand's advantage with a crucial try, and though Ireland continued to fight, Anton Lienert-Brown's late score ensured the All Blacks held firm. It was a contest that hinged on New Zealand's early intensity and accuracy, which Ireland struggled to match despite their second-half improvements.

Key moments

79' 79' Try: Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand) — New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland
63' 63' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 35 – 21 Ireland
63' 63' Try: Hugo Keenan (Ireland) — New Zealand 35 – 19 Ireland
57' 57' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 35 – 14 Ireland
56' 56' Try: Damian McKenzie (New Zealand) — New Zealand 33 – 14 Ireland
45' 45' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 28 – 14 Ireland
45' 45' Try: Joe McCarthy (Ireland) — New Zealand 28 – 12 Ireland
40' 40' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 28 – 7 Ireland
39' 39' Try: Asafo Aumua (New Zealand) — New Zealand 26 – 7 Ireland
36' 36' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 21 – 7 Ireland
35' 35' Try: Will Jordan (New Zealand) — New Zealand 19 – 7 Ireland
34' 34' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — New Zealand 14 – 7 Ireland
33' 33' Try: Jack Conan (Ireland) — New Zealand 14 – 5 Ireland
25' 25' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 14 – 0 Ireland
24' 24' Try: Ardie Savea (New Zealand) — New Zealand 12 – 0 Ireland
15' 15' Conversion: Ruben Love (New Zealand) — New Zealand 7 – 0 Ireland
15' 15' Try: Patrick Tuipulotu (New Zealand) — New Zealand 5 – 0 Ireland

View the full match centre →

Highlights

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