AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) 鈥� The 鈥漟ast and fearless” style New Zealand rehearsed in its Nations Championship wins over France and Italy bore fruit Saturday against Ireland in a 40-21 victory that extended the All Blacks’ winning streak at Eden Park to 53 matches over 32 years.
This was the toughest test of Dave Rennie’s young tenure as All Blacks head coach and he was vindicated in his efforts to establish a bold, ball-in-hand game in a six tries-to-three win.
In its early matches in the Championship, New Zealand’s efforts to play that style were successful in fits and starts, let down by poor execution or lack of discipline.
On Saturday in their biggest challenge to date, the 2026 All Blacks were more precise, more decisive and mostly in control against an Ireland team that came to Eden Park high on confidence.
New Zealand’s set pieces were good, it was physical at the breakdown and won front-foot ball which fueled a sprawling attacking game. The backs also were more accurate while Ireland was harried into errors in the first half.
Ireland sought to slow down the match but New Zealand subverted that tactic, forcing turnovers and kicking only sparingly. The All Blacks led 28-7 after a four-try first half that left Ireland chasing the match.
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