The All Blacks have been hailed as ruthless, clinical and dominant after dismantling Ireland 40-21 to preserve their imposing Eden Park record.
Dave Rennie’s side ran in six tries in Auckland to make it three wins from three in the Nations Championship and stretch New Zealand’s unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 53 tests since 1994.
For Ireland, the international verdict was considerably less flattering.
‘Missed opportunity’ for Ireland
Writing for the Irish Examiner, Christy Doran focused on Ireland’s costly first-half mistakes after Andy Farrell’s side arrived hoping to achieve what no international team had managed at Eden Park for 32 years.
Those ambitions were effectively extinguished by halftime, Doran wrote, with 13 first-half turnovers helping New Zealand establish a commanding 28-7 advantage.