Ireland punished by Maori All Blacks as experimental side lose tour opener
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ireland rugby suffered a punishing start to their tour of New Zealand rugby after an experimental side were dismantled by the dominant Maori All Blacks in Hamilton. Back-rower Coombes was arguably the star performer, while uncapped prop Jeremy Loughman, in-form centre James Hume and replacement Cian Healy each departed with injuries to add to Ireland’s woes. open image in gallery Cian Healy was among several Ireland players to leave the field injured in Hamilton Loughman lined up alongside fellow international rookies Ciaran Frawley, Jimmy O’Brien, Joe McCarthy and Cian Prendergast in a starting XV which contained just three men with more than six Test caps. open image in gallery Bundee Aki scored Ireland’s first try A superb tip-on pass from Coombes took out Cameron Suafoa and Billy Harmon, allowing centre Aki to break the line and use the wet surface to slide underneath the posts for an emotional score on the ground where he formerly played for Super Rugby club the Chiefs.