Brave Ireland come unstuck
Ireland's hopes of recording a first-ever victory over New Zealand were brought to an end despite a brave display in Wellington.
By Tony Curtis
Last Updated: 07/06/08 11:08am
Ireland's hopes of recording a first-ever victory over New Zealand were brought to an end despite a brave display in Wellington.
The tourists had been in front 11-8 after 43 minutes however they were unable to keep the hosts out as the All Blacks ground out a 21-11 victory.
Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ma'a Nonu scored the decisive tries for the hosts, with Carter adding 10 points with the boot.
For Ireland Paddy Wallace scored a try in the first half, while O'Gara added two penalties to give New Zealand a score.
However, ultimately, it was the home side's powerful pack that was the difference - with them constantly picking and driving around the breakdown to keep Ireland on the back foot during the second period.
Ireland had got off to a promising start as Tommy Bowe went close to scoring from Eoin Reddan's charge down after five minutes, only for the ball to hit the corner flag.
However Ireland didn't have to wait much longer to get onto the scoreboard, with Ronan O'Gara slotting over a penalty three minutes later.
New Zealand, though, hit back in fine style as they began to settle into the game and were rewarded with the opening try.
Turnover ball from an Irish lineout saw the All Blacks spread the ball at speed to find Conrad Smith, who showed a superb turn off speed to leave Brian O'Driscoll in his wake before supplying the scoring pass to Sivivatu.
Carter, who struggled with his kicking in the conditions, missed the conversion.
Presure
The tourists regrouped and after a good spell of pressure on the All Blacks line they moved back in front. Having seen one drive held up over the line, Ireland found space on the right for Paddy Wallace to crash over after 20 minutes.
O'Gara missed the conversion, but Carter failed with another kick at goal with his 26th-minute penalty attempt drifting wide.
However Carter finally found his range, with his penalty on 32 minutes ensuring the scores remained level going into the break.
The early exchanges of the second half saw little to separate the two rivals, with O'Gara and Carter swapping penalties.
The All Blacks almost added a second try, though, when Rob Kearney failed to deal with Carter's grubber kick through - but fortunately for the Irish No.15, the ball bobbled out before Smith could touch it down.
The signs were there that the All Blacks had turned the tide, though, with the hosts using their pack to grind Ireland down.
However despite having Ireland on the back foot for a 15-minute spell, New Zealand only had a Carter penalty on 60 minutes to show for their efforts - with a moment of stupidity from Marcus Horan costing the tourists.
But, to the relief of the home fans, the decisive score finally came - with Nonu sliding in to score after Carter had initially opened up the Irish defence with an incisive break. Carter converted to open up a 10-point advantage.
O'Gara went close with a penalty attempt on 68 minutes, but with the impressive Richie McCaw leading the All Blacks defensive display, Ireland could not close the gap.
