Ireland v New Zealand | All Blacks edge back in front in tight Aviva contest

Ireland just can’t manage to make the ball stick as the pass from Frawley goes out the back and bobbles loose. Their 19-game winning streak on home soil is about to be extinguished. 

Will Jordan finds touch on halfway and this will be the last play of the game in all probability. Damian McKenzie has been gifted the Man of the Match award. 

With a scrum just outside the All Blacks’ 22-line, here’s a chance to look at that James Lowe 50:22 kick that gave a slim glimmer of hope: 

Scott Barrett claims the lineout and Wallace Sititi carries for Damian McKenzie to clear. Ireland recover the ball on halfway as Ciaran Frawley chips a ball over the top. Mack Hansen comes within inches of gathering the ball, however the winger knocks on under pressure from Jordie Barrett. The muted atmosphere around Lansdowne Road tells you all you need to know! 

Ireland have possession on halfway, but there is seemingly no way through this teak tough All Blacks defence. Mack Hansen decides to fire the ball into touch inside the All Blacks 22-line, but Ireland will require a stolen lineout here. 

Ireland are 10 metres out from the try-line as James Lowe juggles with the greasy ball. Jamie Osborne is next to take on the Kiwi’s defence. Rob Herring carries hard, but who else other than Ardie Savea pops up with a massive turnover penalty. That could be the game for Scott Robertson’s men! 

Will Jordan’s try has buffered the New Zealand lead who sit two scores clear: 

Brilliant 50-22 kick from James Lowe’s thunderous left boot which sees Ireland gain 60 metres. The winger nods to the crowd as Ireland will have the lineout just inside the All Blacks’ 22-line. 

The game has been paused momentarily as blood streams from the head of Sam Kane. 

Another handling error halts Ireland in its tracks as Ciaran Frawley fumbles the ball forward just outside his own 22-line. 

New Zealand punch their way up to the Irish 22-line with Ardie Savea and Mark Telea. 

A clearance kick from New Zealand is fumbled by Ciaran Frawley. The visitors opt for the scrum hugging the right touchline in between the New Zealand 10-metre and 22-metre line. 

New Zealand lock out the scrum and Mark Telea gallops up field on the right wing. Another penalty to Ireland as Iain Henderson is pinged for not releasing Damian McKenzie after the tackle. 

As has been the case all evening, Damian McKenzie points to the sticks. 

Again, handling errors catch Ireland out as Andrew Porter goes out the back to Ciaran Frawley. The substitute fly-half zips a pass to Iain Henderson who takes his eyes off it, albeit a pass around head height. 

Penalty to New Zealand on halfway! Finlay Bealham is pinged instantly and it looks harsh as Nic Berry and his touch judge Andrea Piardi adjudges the tighthead to be driving in at the scrum.