#4. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
Jordan’s attacking prowess was largely neutralized against Ireland. Though secure under the high ball, the match offered few opportunities for his usual game-breaking plays. Passing errors and limited involvement in open play made for an uncharacteristically subdued performance from the All Blacks star.
Rugby Pass 5/10: “Jordan’s high-ball game has come under scrutiny in 2025, with new laws putting more pressure on the aerial contests. In Chicago, he was a safe pair of hands. The game didn’t open up much to show Jordan’s game-breaking ability, and his playmaking was average with some poor passes seeing the ball hit the ground.”
#5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Beirne’s day ended disastrously early following a controversial red card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett. With Ireland playing over 20 minutes down a man, the second row’s absence was a major blow, leaving the team without one of its most influential forwards and effectively derailing any hopes of repeating past heroics.
Rugby Pass 2/10: “Seemed to think he was a Chicago Bears defensive lineman with his bizarre shoulder check on Beauden Barrett after two minutes was reckless and entirely unnecessary. Once the TMO upgraded yellow to red, Ireland’s hopes of repeating 2016’s heroics took a major dent.”
Irish Examiner: “Sensationally good on his first seasonal turn for Munster against Leinster two weeks ago, any hopes of the Eadestown man doing the same here were ended by an astonishingly bad red card three minutes in after his coming-to with Beauden Barrett. A huge loss.”
RUCK 1/10: “A disappointing outing for the Irish second row, whose day ended early after a controversial red card for a collision with New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett. Dismissed in the opening stages, Ireland were left without one of their most influential forwards, forced to play 20 minutes down a man.”
Irish Mirror: “Third minute yellow card for upright tackle, no wrap, upgraded to 20-minute red within six minutes of the original decision. Replaced by Ian Henderson following the 20 minutes being up.”
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