New Zealand 21
Ireland 11
KEY POINTS:
The broken record continues to gather grime on the 103-year-old Irish gramophone. Their rugby may have moved from that original playing method into the digital age but they still lack the power and nous to overturn the All Blacks and one of sport's longest losing streaks.
They have
had some close scrapes, the Irish, threatening to win at least three times in New Zealand and once at home in the last decade before falling like those predecessors who began the rot at Lansdowne Rd in 1905.
It was the same on Saturday in dreadful conditions in Wellington, when they suggested they could underline the optimism of caretaker coach Michael Bradley before they fell 21-11 to their lack of conviction, personnel and the relentless All Black onslaught.
When it came to the final quarter with the scores deadlocked 11-all, it was going to be a case of who blinked first, who could make their fortune or apply such pressure that their rivals caved in.
Answer: the All Blacks ratcheted up their tempo and the Irish made a couple of ruinous decisions.
Prop Marcus Horan took an unwise swish at Richie McCaw, which cost a penalty reversal and three points before Ma'a Nonu aquaplaned across the stripe after the inside defence fell off Daniel Carter.
The All Blacks have lost half a World Cup squad to the euro and injury, they were under siege to reverse the failure in Cardiff and had to gell quickly after a Super 14 final on a filthy night for rugby.
They were nowhere near perfect in their response but they completed much of their work with the pragmatism and fear born from adversity.
In the wind, rain and bitter chill braved by 32,127 spectators, the All Black pack delivered more smack in the collisions, more snap in the pick-and-go, more speed in the scrum engagements and more lineout lifts than their foes.
The cumulative effect wore Ireland down while Ronan O'Gara was left with reduced time to control the match with his boot.
Ireland had to make 40 more tackles than their opponents, they lost six of their lineout throws and were well down in the ruck count.
They ran out of sting and ideas, barely hanging on as the All Blacks surfed home in the last period.
"As much as we fought to the death, it is hugely disappointing," Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll said, "but we just can't seem to finish it off."
The test was described as a lottery by All Black coach Graham Henry before he applauded the dominance of his new-look pack in laying the foundation for the PowerBall victory.
"It was a good start in impossible conditions," he added.
Conditions were not as savagely demanding as those at Athletic Park in 1996 when the All Blacks mocked the mud, slush and pelting rain against the Wallabies. But the All Blacks' error rate was low, their handling assured (after a couple of early glitches) in the impacts and at the base of the scrum with Jerome Kaino and Andrew Ellis.
There were some sloppy moments such as early charged-down kicks, poor kick receptions and a lack of defence to halt an all-too easy try to Paddy Wallace - but the All Blacks tightened their play and squeezed the game away from the invaders.
Neemia Tialata rumbled around the field all night, carting the ball up, barging and bashing his bulk in the close-quarter work and handling both sides of the scrum competently when John Afoa retired with a strained knee, an injury which has ruled him out for a few weeks and brought forward rookie replacement Ben Franks.
Ali Williams and Brad Thorn slogged it out in a great contest with Paul O'Connell, who at last showed some form to go with the reputation he has brought on the last few trips.
The reworked loose trio played their part led by the extraordinary Richie McCaw.
It was no night for backs, or at least wings, as debut man Anthony Tuitavake will confirm. He did a freeze on the right flank until he was subbed with Mils Muliaina taking his place and Leon MacDonald going to fullback as a defensive ploy against O'Gara's boot.
Conditions counted against expansive plays, but two nifty moves by Conrad Smith and then Carter confirmed the victory. Smith mocked O'Driscoll's defence with a dummy and shimmy to set up Sitiveni Sivivatu for the opening try in the corner. It was class from Smith, all class from the run to the pass.
A victory by the All Blacks was non-negotiable. After the let-down of the World Cup, the nation demanded a win to start this season. There was some substance in it, some uncertainty but they have started and will take more confidence into this week's Eden Park test against England.
