HAMILTON, New Zealand — Ireland conceded
they were a distant second best after opening their tour of
New Zealand with a
32–17 loss to a sparkling Maori All Blacks in Hamilton on Wednesday.
اضافة اعلان
In a worrying
sign three days out from the first Test of a three-match series against New
Zealand, the Irish paid for ill-discipline and inaccuracy against a Maori
outfit who scored all their four tries in the first half to open a 32–10 lead
at the break.
Despite wet conditions at Waikato Stadium, the home
team were not afraid to take risks and strung together some sweeping attacking
moves, with two tries emanating from within their own half.
Fly-half Josh Ioane kicked 12 points and was a
constant menace with ball in hand.
Ireland paid for a heavy penalty count against them
in the opening half, with their problems exacerbated by an aimless kicking game
and a back-pedaling scrum.
Coach Andy Farrell will be concerned about the
health status of at least two of his players, after back Jamie Hume and prop
Cian Healy were assisted from the field nursing leg injuries.
Farrell fielded an inexperienced, virtual
second-string, side with most of his likely starters for the first Test at
Auckland on Saturday watching on from the grandstand.
He took some positive elements from “a game of two
halves” but said the Maori were clearly deserved winners.
“We’re disappointed. We know it was a big week for
the Maori boys but it was a big week for some of our guys, playing for Ireland
for the first time,” Farrell said.
“There was really good stuff from certain
individuals but a lot of dumb stuff along the way.
“It was brilliant as far as our learning is
concerned because that’s what you’ve got to iron out if you want to make it to
the top.”
Maori captain Brad Weber said all of his players
were encouraged to attack with ball in hand if they saw space.
“We just wanted the boys to play with a bit of flair
and at a speed that we would hope that Ireland couldn’t handle,” he said.
“That first half certainly showed it. It was fun to
be part of, man. We’re all Maori so we all want to bring out that flair.”
Ireland’s New Zealand-born Bundee Aki captain
crossed to put his side 10-8 ahead in response to an early try from impressive
Maori fullback Zarn Sullivan.
The home side then took control with three tries in
the space of 11 minutes in the leadup to halftime, with wing Shaun Stevenson,
halfback Weber and forward Cullen Grace all crossing.
A more even second half threw up just one try, when
Ireland forward Gavin Coombes burrowed across.
The two teams will meet again in Wellington on July 12,
midway between the second and third Tests.
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