Ireland's first game on the tour of New Zealand has ended in a 32 points to 17 defeat to the Maori All Blacks in Hamilton.
It was an experimental Ireland side that featured five uncapped players in the line-up.
A positive second half performance but it's defeat to the Māori All Blacks in Waikato.#TeamOfUs | #MABvIRE pic.twitter.com/CzhykYG4Hu
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 29, 2022
If there are positives to take, it was a brighter second half from the boys in green - with the Maori scoring all four of their tries in the first half.
Ireland's tries came either side of half time from captain Bundee Aki and Gavin Coombes.
On top of the performance, what will worry Andy Farrell is the potential injuries sustained by his players.
Jeremy Loughman had an early head injury assessment and left the field at half time, while Cian Healy, James Hume and Jimmy O'Brien were all taken off in the second half.
Well played, @AllBlacks ??#TeamOfUs | #MABvIRE pic.twitter.com/gBd8g4zPqu
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 29, 2022
Speaking after the game, captain Bundee Aki had no complaints about the result: "We've got a lot of learning's out of this game.
"A lot of new boys here, a lot of young guys.
"They'll certainly learn, and we will all learn from this game.
"We will try and build on this for the rest of series.
"The All-Blacks were the way better team tonight."
Not the start we wanted but there are four huge games to come for this group ☘️
We go again against the @AllBlacks at Eden Park on Saturday. #TeamOfUs | #MABvIRE pic.twitter.com/dPE7GrfU8z
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 29, 2022
Eyes immediately turn toward Saturday, and the opening test against New Zealand in Auckland.
