Ardie Savea inspired a spirited fightback as New Zealand overturned a 10-point deficit to claim a gritty win over 14-man Ireland at Soldier Field on Saturday.
The All Blacks won 26-13, but looked in danger of another Chicago upset after Ireland surged into an early 10-0 lead despite losing lock Tadhg Beirne to a red card just three minutes into the contest.
But Savea’s try before half time steadied the ship, before replacements Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and Cam Roigard crossed to secure revenge for the 2016 defeat at the same venue.
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Ireland had started brightly despite the numerical disadvantage. Jack Crowley’s penalty and a close-range finish from Tadhg Furlong put Andy Farrell’s side in control midway through the first half.
Yet once Savea struck in the corner and Beauden Barrett added the extras, the momentum began to tilt decisively black.
Crowley briefly extended Ireland’s lead after the break, but New Zealand’s bench brought fresh energy and power.
Williams muscled over to put the All Blacks ahead for the first time, Sititi finished off a sweeping counter-attack led by Damian McKenzie, and Roigard added gloss with a late dart from the base of a scrum.
It wasn’t vintage rugby – the game was littered with stoppages and injuries, including early exits for both Barrett brothers, Scott and Jordie – but Scott Robertson’s side showed composure and depth to close out a tricky opening Test of their tour.
“It’s special, we fought our way back into it,” said Robertson. “It felt like an NFL game at times with so many stoppages, but the young guys came on and played fearlessly. It was great to see us execute.”
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Ireland captain Dan Sheehan admitted his side “never really got going,” lamenting a lack of cohesion rather than the long layoff since the Six Nations.
“We just couldn’t put the whole picture together,” Sheehan said. “We thought we were in a good spot, but things just didn’t click for us today.”
The All Blacks now head to Europe to face Scotland, England and Wales as they chase their first Grand Slam since 2010 – and after their Chicago revival, few would bet against them finding their rhythm.
IRELAND – Try: Tadhg Furlong. Conversion: Crowley. Penalties: Crowley (2).
ALL BLACKS – Tries: Ardie Savea, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (3).
– AFP
Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The post Savea shines as All Blacks avenge 2016 defeat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ardie Savea inspired a spirited fightback as New Zealand overturned a 10-point deficit to claim a gritty win over 14-man Ireland at Soldier Field on Saturday.
The post Savea shines as All Blacks avenge 2016 defeat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
