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McKenzie steers All Blacks to victory over Ireland as winning home run ends

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.

It was an Irish performance riddled with errors and, save for a brief period after the break, the hosts were distinctly second-best in a first meeting since last year's World Cup quarter-final.

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 in the 43rd minute, Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.

The defeat brought an end to Ireland’s impressive home run, and means the sides have now shared five wins each from their last 10 meetings.

The opening 40 minutes couldn't really be described as a slow burner, it was more of a case of a flicker here and there.

And it was a pity because a pre-match light show, passionate anthems and the Irish response to the Haka, had the crowd up for it.

But by the time the clock hit five minutes and 30 seconds, almost four minutes had been spent waiting for the packs to complete two scrums.

There were 11 penalties, two free kicks, six scrums, eight lineouts and a TMO check to further break up any semblance of rhythm from either side in the first half.

Two of the penalties came from obstructing the chaser, Jordie Barrett and Jamison Gibson-Park both slow to get to grips with the new law aimed at stopping the receiver's escort and promoting aerial challenges.

Ireland did have the look of a team on their first outing of the season, while New Zealand, despite two wins under their belts in the last two

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