LIVE BLOG: Ireland 9-21 New Zealand in Aviva Stadium, as it happened
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LIVE BLOG: Ireland 9-21 New Zealand in Aviva Stadium, as it happened

FT

We're going to leave it there now folks. A disappointing result for the Irish, but a gallant effort as ever. Thanks for following this live blog, good night.

FT

Well, it wasn't to be on this occasion, but the eyes of the world have been on Dublin tonight, and hopefully that'll bode well for that 2023 RWC bid.

FT

As ever, social media has seen a mixed reaction. Some are praising Irish efforts, others blame the ref and some lament the physical nature of New Zealand's play.

FT

It could have been oh so different for Ireland had it not been for three first-half injuries to key players, but New Zealand were really up for this one.

80 mins

FT! A knock-on breaks down the NZ attack, and that's the last act of the game. New Zealand win 21-9.

79 mins

New Zealand are not done yet, they're looking to close this one out in style.

77 mins

Defeat looks inevitable, but Ireland are still feeling the love on Twitter

76 mins

Four minutes remaining, and the comeback looks way beyond Ireland's capabilities at this stage.

75 mins

Ringrose looks as though he's got a clean run at the try line but man-of-the-match elect Barrett hauls him down, showing he's as strong defensively as he is attacking.

73 mins

Zebo is the latest Irish player to be withdrawn through injury, Kieran Marmion comes on to replace him.

70 mins

Ireland look a little disheartened by that last try. And here's a quick look at how it came about.


67 mins

Barrett converts to extend NZ's lead to 21-9. Things are looking pretty bleak.

65 mins

TRY! All Ireland's hard work is undone by a punishing counter from the All Blacks, with Fekitoa crossing the whitewash for the second time having come back on after his yellow card.

61 mins

Suspicions of another high tackle on an Irish player but, again, NZ get away with it.

59 mins

Questionable Twitter handle name, but this tweet sums up Ireland's performance so far.

56 mins

Kearney almost squeezes over the line but can't quite manage it. Ireland eventually settle for a penalty after a sustained period of pressure, and Jackson converts to make it 14-9 to New Zealand. Game on!

55 mins

Here's that yellow card incident from a few minutes ago and, on second viewing, he's lucky it wasn't red.

53 mins

All Black Dane Coles makes a charge at the try line but Sean O'Brien brilliantly dispossesses him.

51 mins

Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has just told Sky Sports this is the most physical NZ performance he's seen in quite some time, and it's hard to argue with him.

49 mins

Try-scorer Fekitoa sees yellow for a high challenge on Zebo, that's him in the sin bin for now!

47 mins

Ireland cross the whitewash but after an incredible work rate in the build-up, they're pinged for a knock-on.

44 mins

Ireland earn a scrum but Ringrose is topped in his tracks as he made a bid for the try line...

42 mins

Bright start from Ireland to the second-half.

41 mins

Ok, we're back underway!

HT

Here's how the RTE panel back home in Ireland have seen the first-half.

HT

Half-time is a good opportunity to keep viewers/readers entertained, so take a moment to watch this very relevant viral video!

HT

One of the biggest talking points at the break is this horrendous looking incident. Social media users are not happy!

HT

If you haven't seen Ireland's Rugby World Cup bid Promo video, narrated by Liam Neeson, then spare a minute and a half now to take this in.

40 mins

HALF-TIME! Ireland are 14-6 down at the break, but, more worryingly, they've already lost Henshaw, Sexton and Stander to injury. Does this squad have the ability to mount a comeback without those key men? Let us know your thoughts @IrishPostSport

39 mins

Half time is nearing, and Ireland look as though they need it. They've been depleted by big hits.

37 mins

The referee is being destroyed on Twitter, but there's no doubt Ireland have been second best.

35 mins

The pace of the game has slowed dramatically, we're trudging towards the half-time whistle here with little happening on the field.

32 mins

No doubt about who is running the show for New Zealand here, as this Tweet below outlines.

31 mins

New Zealand are still on the offense, nine minutes to HT. They lead 14-6.

30 mins

Barrett steals possession off Jackson, collects and touches down but the TMO rules out the try for a knock-on, a let-off for Ireland.

29 mins

The All Blacks have a scrum in a dangerous position, we're approaching the half-our mark.

27 mins

Modern technology eh!

25 mins

NZ go offside and Ireland get a penalty, which Jackson sends over. 14-6 to the All Blacks.

23 mins

CJ Stander is the latest to feel the force of the brutal All Blacks, who have raised their aggression an awful lot. Stander is off with a head injury. On comes youngster Van der Flier.

21 mins

Ninth phase of play now as Ireland try to bulldoze their way back into the match!

18 mins

It gets worse for Ireland - Sexton is off injured, on comes Paddy Jackson.

16 mins

That last try was slightly dubious as it's not clear if the ball was actually grounded amid Sexton's attempts to prevent it.

15 mins

That man again, Barrett, converts and NZ lead 14-3. Ireland are in a bit of a hole here!

14 mins

TRY! New Zealand have another try through Barrett's steal, Sexton's efforts to halt his run proves fruitless.

13 mins

Plenty of folk aren't best pleased with the referees for not punishing that tackle on Henshaw

12 mins

Still 7-3 to NZ, but Ireland are on the attack.

11 mins

Ringrose is on for the injured Henshaw after a high challenge, but the TMO tells the ref only a penalty is necessary, no punishment for the guilty party.

11 mins

Of course, some are lucky enough to be there! Meanwhile, the referee is conferring with the TMO. Back to the action in a moment.

10 mins

Plenty of folk enjoying the game across Ireland and Britain!

9 mins

The NZ defence is holding up well but this is great work from Ireland, who settle for a penalty, which Johnny Sexton converts to make it 7-3 to the All Blacks.

8 mins

Ireland have a scrum in a promising position

6 mins

Great work from Heaslip sends O'Brien on his way but he's stopped just short of the try line, great response from Ireland!

4 mins

Beauden Barrett converts to give the All Blacks an early 7-0 lead.

3 mins

TRY! New Zealand have wasted no time at all as Fekitoa is found in space to the left, evades Conor Murray and touches down.

2 mins

Into the second minute and New Zealand are already piling on the pressure.

17.31

Here's the Irish team...and here we go!

17.29

The Haka is underway! The Aviva crowd look on in awe.

17.28

Here's some fun viewing if you've got a minute to spare ahead of kick-off

17.25

The anthem formalities are just underway with the game now just five minutes away. Where's your money going? Tweet us @IrishPostSport

17.20

Good evening folks and welcome to our live coverage of Ireland v New Zealand, part two! Stay tuned for updates.