'Power and physicality' the problem for Ireland

Simply not powerful enough.

That was the verdict of former Ireland captain Donal Lenihan following New Zealand's six-try to three victory at Eden Park.

The hosts, defending a 46-game unbeaten streak in Auckland, awoke from a first-quarter slumber to rack up 42 points against an Irish outfit that went were looking for a first-ever victory on New Zealand soil.

Andy Farrell’s side had 58% possession and 60% territory, while conceding 10 penalties to New Zealand’s 15.

But Ian Foster’s men used the ball better and once the tide turned, there only looked like one winner.

"[Ireland] were outstanding in the opening 20 minutes, really varied their game well, carried the ball well, very inventive in attack," Lenihan, on commentary duty with RTÉ’s Game On, said.

"They went into a 5-0 lead and then a horrible sequence of events going against them.

Sevu Reece