Ireland nearly stole it at the death in a 37-phase onslaught, but they came up short in Paris.
ANDY FARRELL TOLD us this would be proper living. And the feelings that swung wildly between elation and worry and optimism and dejection are certainly part of life.
A dire first quarter cost Ireland dearly as they watched the Kiwis race into a 13-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes and though Farrell’s side drew themselves back into the contest and trailed by only a point at the break, it proved to be an insurmountable hill. It’s a sad ending to the career of the great Johnny Sexton, who now bows out from professional rugby in disappointment.Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
When Cane soon smashed Caelan Doris in a tackle on first-phase of an Irish lineout attack, Ardea Savea pounced for a turnover penalty and inside centre Jordie Barrett smashed over a penalty from nearly 50 metres out. 6-0 All Blacks. New Zealand were soon lucky not to see Mo’unga carded for a high tackle into Aki’s jaw, but Ireland could finally sense some momentum tilting their way. Keenan nearly found Sexton with an offload on the next attack in the Kiwi 22 before they finally got return in the 28th minute.
Sexton ignored the chance to kick at goal and went down the touchline. Savea was lucky not to be carded for blatantly playing the ball in a ruck on the ensuing attack, but Ireland put that penalty back into the left corner. Though the maul was slowed up, Gibson-Park darted off it, inside Jordan’s tackle attempt and underneath Savea for a superb try.With The Fields of Athenry ringing out to greet the second half, Ireland had further chances against 14-man New Zealand.
It felt like momentum had deserted Ireland altogether so when they got a penalty after Ioane failed to roll away from a tackle, they had to go for goal. From a very kickable position, Sexton had a bad miss.
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