Player ratings: History makers
Ireland's 40-29 win over New Zealand is historic for more than just being their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.
They showed that passion, commitment, skill and fitness – all by the bucketloads – are required to stop the mighty black machine.,
Jan de Koning rates the Irish players!
15 Rob Kearney:
Found holes in the All Black defence that don't normally exist and also beat Ben Smith in the high-ball stakes.
7/10
14 Andrew Trimble:
He missed the odd tackle – as most people do that have to deal with Julian Savea – but threw his body into the game with reckless abandon and made some massive hits.
7/10
13 Jared Payne:
Was perhaps the quietest of the Irish backs, but that doesn't mean he had a bad game – just did the basics well – except for a couple of slipped tackles.
6/10
12 Robbie Henshaw:
Put his body on the line, literally – which helped him won a couple of crucial turnovers – and scored the game's most crucial try.
8/10
11 Simon Zebo:
Look very well after the powerful Waisake Naholo, brilliant in the air and showed his finishing class.
7/10
10 Johnny Sexton:
Clinical and masterful. Sometimes you don't need to be flash to be brilliant.
7/10
9 Conor Murray:
His great energy and quick-silver service – not to mention opportunism – were invaluable. Then you can throw in a penalty kick and massive chase for a turnover inside the All Blacks in-goal area for good measure.
9/10
8 Jamie Heaslip:
Worked his magic on defence, although he was not always as prominent in the other aspects of the game. Still invaluable, though.
6/10
7 Jordi Murphy:
Lasted only 25 minutes, but was busy and productive in his stint.
6/10
6 Christiaan Stander:
His work at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers, and on defence was up to his usual brilliant standards. Did miss a couple of tackles.
7/10
5 Devin Toner:
Got his big frame around the park like a loose forward, but did miss a crucial tackle on Scott Barrett.
7/10
4 Donnacha Ryan:
Not the most productive game he has had. Could have been pulled from the field earlier.
5/10
3 Tadhg Furlong:
His work in the collisions – helping to create turnovers – were immense. Showed great fitness and was rock solid in the scrums.
7/10
2 Rory Best:
The workhorse of the team that often does the dirty work in the dark places that few people sees.
7/10
1 Jack McGrath:
Some strong carries and rock solid on defence. Maybe his workrate was a tad, just a little tad, below the rest of his teammates.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Sean Cronin (on for Best, 71st min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Cian Healy (on for McGrath, 61st min):
The veteran prop still adds plenty of value off the bench.
6/10
18 Finlay Bealham (on for Furlong, 57th min):
Was rock solid in the scrums, where the Irish had the All Blacks under pressure.
6/10
19 Ultan Dillane (on for Ryan, 65th min):
Some powerful carries and made all his tackles.
6/10
20 Josh van der Flier (on for Murphy, 25th min):
He would not have expected to have come on so early, but ended up with the highest tackle count in the match – on the back of a massive workrate.
8/10
21 Kieran Marmion:
Not used.
22 Joey Carbery (in for Sexton, 59th min):
Not bad for a debut – against the All Blacks of all teams. Missed just one tackle. 6/10
23 Garry Ringrose:
Not used.
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