32 Years Unbeaten at Eden Park!
All Blacks overpower Ireland to remain perfect in the Nations Championship
Nations Championship 2026 – Round 3
18 July 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand 40–21 Ireland (28–7)
The All Blacks once again proved why Eden Park remains one of the most intimidating fortresses in world rugby.
Facing an Irish side that arrived in Auckland with two wins from two matches and hopes of making history, New Zealand produced another commanding display, defeating Ireland 40–21 to secure their third consecutive victory in the Nations Championship while extending their remarkable 32-year unbeaten streak at the iconic venue.
The victory keeps the All Blacks on maximum points after three rounds, having collected the attacking bonus point in every match. Ireland, meanwhile, suffered its first defeat of the competition and left Auckland empty-handed, without either an attacking or losing bonus point.
A Near-Perfect First Half from the All Blacks
New Zealand exploded out of the blocks, applying relentless pressure on the Irish defence from the opening whistle.
In the 14th minute, after a sustained period of attacking phases close to the try line, P. Tuipulotu (No. 5) crossed for the opening try, with R. Love (No. 10) adding the conversion for a 7–0 lead.
Seven minutes later, following a dominant scrum, A. Savea (No. 8) picked from the base and powered over for New Zealand’s second try. Love maintained his flawless kicking record to extend the advantage to 14–0.
Ireland received a lifeline in the 27th minute when L. Jacobson (No. 7) was shown a yellow card and sent to the bunker for further review.
Taking advantage of the extra man, Ireland finally found their rhythm. In the 32nd minute, J. Conan (No. 8) finished off Ireland’s first genuine attacking opportunity, while S. Prendergast (No. 10) converted to reduce the deficit to 14–7.
The hosts responded immediately.Only two minutes later, W. Jordan (No. 14) capitalised on a loose Irish pass, racing away to score an easy try. Love remained perfect from the tee, stretching the score to 21–7.
In the 38th minute, after a TMO review, referee Nic Berry awarded a try to A. Aumua (No. 16). Love calmly slotted his fourth successful conversion to send the All Blacks into halftime with a commanding 28–7 advantage.
The opening forty minutes belonged almost entirely to New Zealand, who dominated possession, territory and physicality, while Ireland struggled to contain the hosts’ relentless attacking tempo.
Second Half
Ireland Fight Back, but the All Blacks Stay in Control Ireland emerged from the dressing room with renewed purpose.
After patiently building through more than fifteen consecutive phases, J. McCarthy (No. 4) crossed in the 44th minute. Prendergast added the extras to cut the score to 28–14.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly halted.Following several minutes of sustained pressure deep inside the Irish 22, D. McKenzie (No. 15) scored New Zealand’s fifth try in the 55th minute. Love continued his perfect afternoon with another successful conversion, making it 35–14.
Ireland refused to surrender and responded in the 62nd minute through H. Keenan (No. 15). Prendergast converted once again, narrowing the margin to 35–21.
The final quarter produced some outstanding rugby.The All Blacks showcased remarkable continuity with a sequence of more than thirty consecutive phases, while Ireland’s defence looked considerably more organised than it had before the break.
In the 78th minute, after another lengthy attacking spell, A. Lienert-Brown (No. 22) crossed for New Zealand’s sixth and final try. Damian McKenzie missed the conversion, leaving the final score at 40–21.
Match Analysis
The contest was effectively decided during the opening half, when the All Blacks dominated every aspect of the game. Their superiority at the breakdown, quick ball presentation and ruthless efficiency inside Ireland’s 22 proved decisive against a defence that struggled to cope with New Zealand’s direct, high-tempo attack.
Ireland produced a much-improved second-half performance and managed to restore some balance to the contest, but the 21-point halftime deficit ultimately proved too great to overcome.
New Zealand finished with six tries, secured another attacking bonus point and maintained their flawless start to the inaugural Nations Championship.
Scorers
New Zealand (40) Tries 14′ – P. Tuipulotu (No. 5) 21′ – A. Savea (No. 8) 34′ – W. Jordan (No. 14) 38′ – A. Aumua (No. 16) 55′ – D. McKenzie (No. 15) 78′ – A. Lienert-Brown (No. 22)
Conversions R. Love (No. 10) – 5/6
Ireland (21) Tries 32′ – J. Conan (No. 8) 44′ – J. McCarthy (No. 4) 62′ – H. Keenan (No. 15)
Conversions S. Prendergast (No. 10) – 3/3
Teams
New Zealand:
de Groot E. Taylor C. Lomax T. Lord J. Tuipulotu P. Va’ai T. Jacobson L. (yellow card) Savea A. (captain) Roigard C. Love R. Moorby J. Barrett J. Tupaea Q. Jordan W. McKenzie D.
Replacements:
16. Aumua A.
17. Numia X.
18. Newell F.
19. Segner A.
20. Lakai P.
21. Ratima C.
22. Lienert-Brown A.
23. Clarke C.
Ireland:
O’Toole T. Sheehan D. (captain) Furlong T. McCarthy J. Ryan J. Beirne T. van der Flier J. Conan J. Gibson-Park J. Prendergast S. O’Brien T. McCloskey S. Ringrose G. Baloucoune R. Keenan H.
Replacements:
16. Kelleher R.
17. Loughman J.
18. Clarkson T.
19. Timoney N.
20. Jansen S.
21. Casey C.
22. Frawley C.
23. Aki B.
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Photo credits: Official All Blacks, Irish Rugby, Nations Championship, Rugby Mania.