The All Blacks came back strong to secure a 26-13 victory over Ireland in front of a packed crowd of 61,840 fans in Chicago. The game started with a red card for Irish lock Tadgh Beirne after a head-on-head contact with Beauden Barrett, giving New Zealand an advantage. However, Ireland put up a good fight even with 14 men on the field.
It wasn’t until the second half that the All Blacks found their rhythm, scoring tries through Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi in quick succession. Cam Roigard’s try sealed the comeback, erasing memories of their 2016 loss to Ireland at the same venue.
Opinions around the world vary on whether the final score reflects a dominant All Blacks performance or a collapse by the Irish team. Let’s see how the global media reacted to the result.
BBC
The BBC described the All Blacks’ comeback as crushing Irish hopes of another memorable win at Soldier Field. Despite Ireland taking an early lead and playing with a man down, New Zealand clawed their way back into the game. The loss was particularly disappointing for Irish head coach Andy Farrell.
The BBC also highlighted New Zealand’s chances of securing a Grand Slam in the northern hemisphere following this victory.
RugbyPass
RugbyPass provided a detailed player ratings analysis, praising Tamaiti Williams for his impactful performance off the bench. While some players received lower scores for their contribution, Williams stood out as a game-changer.
The Irish Times
The Irish Times expressed regret over the loss to a New Zealand side they believed was vulnerable. They pointed out Ireland’s mistakes and defensive lapses that led to the All Blacks’ resurgence in the second half.
Planet Rugby
Planet Rugby noted the significance of Tamaiti Williams’s try in turning the tide of the match. They agreed that this moment was pivotal in the All Blacks’ victory and redemption from their previous defeat to Ireland.
The Guardian
The Guardian highlighted the growing rivalry between Ireland and New Zealand, with the fixture becoming a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a scrappy game with frequent stoppages, both teams put on a competitive show. The article also mentioned the upcoming match between the All Blacks and Scotland in Edinburgh.
