David Algie David Algie

**Match Report: All Blacks Topple Ireland 23-13 to Claim Raeburn Shield in Dublin**

In a gritty 23-13 victory, the All Blacks overcame Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, ending Ireland’s 19-game unbeaten home streak and bringing the Raeburn Shield—a prestigious lineal title that passes only by direct victory—back to New Zealand.

In a gritty 23-13 victory, the All Blacks overcame Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, ending Ireland’s 19-game unbeaten home streak and bringing the Raeburn Shield—a prestigious lineal title that passes only by direct victory—back to New Zealand. This high-stakes win saw New Zealand use their precision and discipline to outlast the Irish, who fought hard but struggled with penalties. The Shield now continues its journey in the hands of the All Blacks as they head to face France next.

### Key Moments of the Match

The match started with a charged atmosphere as Ireland met New Zealand’s haka with intensity, with Andrew Porter even charging down a kick in the opening minutes. Yet, the game took a slower, tactical pace, and both sides struggled to find clear attacking opportunities in the first half.

New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie proved invaluable, kicking three penalties to give the All Blacks a slim 9-6 lead at the half. Ireland nearly gained the upper hand when Jordie Barrett was yellow-carded just before the break for a high tackle on Garry Ringrose, and Ireland capitalised on the advantage early in the second half when Josh van der Flier crossed the line to put Ireland ahead 13-9.

However, New Zealand’s experience and patience paid off as Ireland’s discipline issues led to penalty after penalty in range for McKenzie, who expertly added nine more points to put New Zealand ahead 18-13.

In the closing stages, the All Blacks delivered the final blow when Will Jordan dived over the line for a try, securing the win and extending their dominance in this fierce rivalry.

### Raeburn Shield: Tradition and Extra Tension

Though not officially recognised, the Raeburn Shield adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike. This lineal title passes only when the current holder is defeated, creating high stakes in every game and offering all nations a chance to compete for it.

The Shield’s impact on the game is felt in these key ways:

- 🔗 **Lineal World Title:** Only passed by direct victory, the Shield turns every game into a title defence, raising the stakes and intensity on the field.

- 📜 **Rugby Legacy Across Borders:** The Raeburn Shield’s journey connects players and fans across nations, adding pride to each win and honour to each defence.

- 🏆 **Inspiring Fan Engagement:** Thousands of fans engaged with the Shield online throughout the weekend, showing how much this lineal title resonates with the global rugby community.

- 🌍 **An Open Challenge for Every Nation:** Any team has a chance to hold the Shield, creating rare opportunities that make each defence meaningful. With their next test against France, the All Blacks face their first title defence—and there’s no guarantee it will stay in New Zealand.

### What’s Next?

With Ireland now regrouping to face Argentina, the All Blacks turn their attention to France. The upcoming match will mark New Zealand’s first defence of the Raeburn Shield since reclaiming it in Dublin, and with every match, the legacy of this lineal title grows.

**#RaeburnShield #AllBlacks #IrelandRugby #FranceRugby #RugbyTradition #LinealTitle**

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David Algie David Algie

The Raeburn Shield - Who has won the most games?

The Raeburn Shield is an international rugby challenge shield which has changed hands 203 times since 1871

However including all matches even when it did not change hands there have been over 650 games!

We wanted to visualise who was the most successful (e.g. won the most!) based on these 650+ games and created this view to show the winning progressions from 1871 until today.

You might be suprised how long it takes for the All Blacks to show up and in the 1980s there are a couple of nations who might suprise you... Would love to hear more from anyone with thoughts on how they visualise data of this kind.

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David Algie David Algie

#ONTHISDAY - 30TH April 1995 - AUS Vs ARG

Argentina toured Australia in 1995 playing two tests against the Wallabies and coming away with no wins but having uncovered some important future talent.

Agustín Pichot debuted in this the first test match and scored the only try for the visitors with Australia putting in a commanding performance to come away 53 - 7 winners.




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David Algie David Algie

If Lansdowne Road Is The Answer, What Is The Question?

I was curious just how many times various venues around the world had hosted Raeburn Shield matches so decided to put together a view to show this.

I wasn’t sure what to expect but somehow was surprised to see Lansdowne Road come out on top as the answer to the most frequent venue for Raeburn Shield matches.

Any theories as to why or any other suprises in there for you?

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David Algie David Algie

#ONTHISDAY - 7TH FEBRUARY 1903 - SCO Vs WAL

After a horror 1902 the Scottish team bounced right back with a Triple Crown and a Home Nations championship in 1903 and took the Raeburn Shield back off of Wales having lost it to them in the previous years tournament.

#WorldChallengeShield #WinnersSince1871 #Mythical #DoesntExistButShould #History #Wales #Scotland #Rugby #6Nations #HomeNationsChampionship

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