New Zealand 42 Ireland 10: Savea steals show

Sunday 10 June 2012

Winger Julian Savea celebrated a spectacular first Test appearance with a hat-trick of tries as New Zealand beat Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland.

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The victory ensured the All Blacks continued their unbeaten run against Ireland, which now spans 25 matches over 107 years. It also gave new coach Steve Hansen a winning start to his tenure after eight years as assistant to Graham Henry.

Savea capped his memorable debut inside the first 40 minutes with two of his three tries. The first came after the All Blacks fielded a clearing kick inside their own half, spread the ball wide and committed defenders to give the big winger an overlap down the touchline.The next try originated after Ireland had been hot on attack, but aggressive defence from Conrad Smith and captain Richie McCaw forced a turnover.Three passes and a clever kick later, the All Blacks had an attacking line-out five metres out. The field position gave them the opportunity to attack and Savea smashed over the tackles of Cian Healy and Connor Murray to score.Fly-half Dan Carter's conversion gave the world champions a 23-3 lead at the break after he had earlier slotted three penalties, two from more than 50 metres out, and converted Savea's first try.Jonathan Sexton scored Ireland's only points in the first spell, but Savea completed his hat-trick shortly after the break when he was run into space by Israel Dagg after another sweeping movement.Fergus McFadden brought the Irish fans to their feet when he was the first player to a kick from Sexton following a turnover.Replacement loose forward Adam Thomson scored a simple try following an attacking scrum with about 25 minutes remaining. All Blacks centre Conrad Smith completed the scoring with a 78th-minute try that Carter converted.

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New Zealand 42 Ireland 10: Savea steals show

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