News | Rugby
19 Feb 2026 15:27
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    The All Blacks wanted to make a statement in the opening test against Ireland at Eden Park - and they didn't disappoint

    The All Blacks wanted to make a statement in the opening test against Ireland at Eden Park - and they didn't disappoint


    New Zealand are up 1-nil in the three test series with a convincing 42-19 win.

    It was the visitors who opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a try to winger Keith Earls.

    But the All Blacks found their rhythm quickly, scoring five tries in the opening half - leading 28-5 at the break.

    Number eight Ardie Savea crossed over for a double, while Chiefs loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula scored on debut.

    Savea says it was a physical battle.



    Irish openside flanker Josh van der Flier says his side lost concentration at times.



    INTERNATIONAL CRICKET WITH GENERAL FINANCE DOT CO DOT ENZED. FOR GREAT SECURED TERM DEPOSIT RATES.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Rugby News
     19 Feb: An All Black is departing the Crusaders at the end of the Super Rugby season
     18 Feb: Leicester Fainga'anuku's been benched for Sunday's Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Brumbies in Christchurch
     18 Feb: Don't expect an All Blacks coaching announcement imminently
     18 Feb: England coach Steve Borthwick's responded to their Six Nations rugby defeat to Scotland by making three changes to his run-on side for Sunday's match with Ireland at Dublin
     17 Feb: Irish rugby to investigate racial abuse towards Test debutant Edwin Edogbo
     17 Feb: A Dunedin man who sent a secretly-recorded sex tape to dozens of rugby mates, has failed to have his conviction quashed
     16 Feb: Blues coach Vern Cotter is applauding Super Rugby for their honesty, but is frustrated at what might have been after the Chiefs were wrongly awarded a try in round one
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