Rampant New Zealand crush Ireland 45-7 - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Rampant New Zealand crush Ireland 45-7

By John Mehaffey 13/11/2005 06:29:44 AM Comments (0)

New Zealand left wing Sitiveni Sivivatu strolled across the Ireland line twice in the first half to set up the All Blacks for a crushing 45-7 victory on the second leg of their grand slam tour.

Sivivatu, one of 15 changes from the side who demolished Wales 41-3 last week, took his try tally to eight in only five Tests. Right wing Doug Howlett took his tally to 41 in 50 Tests with two second half tries.

The match was all but over after 22 minutes when the All Blacks scored their second try through scrumhalf Piri Weepu and the All Blacks looked a different class in all segments of the game. Flyhalf Nick Evans scored 20 points with the boot.

Ireland, without injured captain Brian O'Driscoll, started brightly but rarely looked like penetrating the New Zealand defensive screen.

"It was a tough battle, it always is against Ireland," said New Zealand captain Richie McCaw. "I guess we can do (the Grand Slam), it's nice to get another one under our belt."

Sivivatu's first try came in the 12th minute when the big wing ran on to a perfectly judged pass from number eight Mose Tuiali'i to score unopposed near the posts.

McCaw made no mistake in the buildup to New Zealand's second try, off-loading to Weepu on the Irish line after centre Ma'a Nonu had changed the angle of attack.

Ireland had their best opportunity minutes before halftime but New Zealand soaked up the pressure and struck back on the stroke of halftime when Tuiali'i broke down the right, fed Leon MacDonald who in turn slipped the ball to Sivivatu who again crossed the Irish line without a home player in sight.

After the All Blacks led 25-0 at the break, the visitors had two tries ruled out via the video referee.

Howlett was not be denied, however, scoring New Zealand's first try of the half after running through a gap in the Irish line on the opposite wing.

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