Three Connacht players involved in Ireland’s defeat to All Blacks

Three Connacht players were involved in Ireland’s 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks, in the opening game of the Autumn Nations Series.

All three started, with Finlay Bealham at tight-head prop, Bundee Aki at inside centre and Mack Hansen on the wing.

The Connacht men were in the thick of it from the off.

Mack Hansen was in amongst the action early on, as his run after a high ball was blocked off by Jordie Barrett, which in a penalty.

Ireland put their first three points on the board after Jack Crowley converted and within minutes, Hansen tried to find Aki with a quick ball.

However, Aki couldn’t make it stick and knocked the ball on.

This would become a common theme for Aki in the game, as his performance was wholly inferior to what we’ve come to expect from him in an Ireland shirt.

Flattering scoreline

Ireland then went in three down at half-time, which was an arguably flattering scoreline given the performance.

Ireland then found themselves in the lead again early in the second half as Leinster man, Josh van der Flier went over the line and Munster’s Jack Crowley added the extras.

New Zealand then got back within one after converting a penalty.

It looked like Finlay Bealham’s night was over.

With around 20 minutes left to play, he was replaced by Ulster’s Tom O’Toole.

Bealham had to come back on however, as O’Toole suffered an injury just minutes into his cameo.

The All Blacks began to take control from here, and after a series of penalties were five ahead.

Will Jordan put the final nail in the coffin as he got his fifth try in.

Subsequently, a very poor night for Ireland had came to an end.

The full time result was:  Ireland 13-23 New Zealand.

Elsewhere 

Connacht’s Santi Cordero made a second-half cameo appearance for Argentina against Italy in Udine.

He scored a try for Los Pumas in their thumping 50-18 win.

Ireland are welcoming Argentina to Dublin for a test-match this coming Friday, with Cordero facing off against his Connacht teammates.

Ireland will also play host to Fiji and Australia in this Autumn Nations Series.