New Zealand turn on style to overcome Ireland

New Zealand’s All Blacks earned their Chicago revenge on Saturday with a 26-13 victory at Soldier Field after a highly controversial Tadhg Beirne 20-minute red card. Beirne was dismissed for a third-minute high tackle on Beauden Barrett, for which he was shown yellow on the field of play but saw it surprisingly upgraded to red after a bunker review. Andy Farrell’s side initially responded superbly but a second half fightback turned the game on its head.

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All Blacks punish Ireland to inflict first home defeat since 2021

Ireland suffered a first home defeat in 20 games as New Zealand made little of their underdog status to record a 23-13 win in Dublin. The All Blacks played the conditions and the referee better and out-half Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties before Will Jordan continued his immaculate scoring record against Ireland with a 69th-minute try. Jack Crowley’s two-first half penalties had Ireland in touch but following Josh van der Flier’s converted try Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.

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New Zealand see off Wales to win Third Place Playoff

Warren Gatland’s 12-year reign in charge of Wales ended with a 40-17 defeat against New Zealand in the World Cup bronze match in Tokyo. Steve Hansen ensured he left the All Blacks on a winning note as his side clinched third place in Japan with a six-try display.

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