It was a tough first ten minutes for Ireland. Sloppy mistake and New Zealand brilliance meant they were always up against it. Aaron Smith had just scored New Zealand's first try and Ireland's worst nightmare was complete, they'd given the All Blacks a 10 points start.
There was however still hope. Ireland had not yet had an attack of note, but had won a penalty in midfield and would have a chance to show New Zealand what they had to offer while the game was still a contest.
And then this happened.
Wow...#NZLvIRE#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/CY0W9eoc5F
— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 19, 2019
Johnny Sexton, looking for every inch on the penalty made an unforgivable mistake. An out-half cannot miss touch on a penalty.
At the same time, Richie Mo'unga's piece of skill in keeping the ball in was something to behold.
Just a couple of minutes later, Smith went over in the opposite corner of the field for his second try and the game was over as a contest.
20: TRY 🇳🇿
The All Blacks are on it.
And so far, Ireland are not.#NZLvIRE#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/hX08BwTAIL— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 19, 2019
The incident was a microcosm of the entire first half when Ireland made error after error that were compounded by New Zealand brilliance. Make no mistake, this is a very poor display from an Irish team not doing themselves justice in their biggest game. It is also a wonderously marvelous display of accuracy and skill by the best team in the world.
On this viewing, Ireland are not in their league.
