The University of the South Pacific's (USP) Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) signed an operational arrangement to strengthen Fiji's capability in detecting marine invasion and enhancing marine environment by monitoring high-risk marine invasive alien species (MIAS). This forms an integral part of the Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasions Alert Network Project (PACMAN Project). The signing of the Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasions Alert Network (PACMAN) Project Operational Arrangement Agreement took place on 10 November 2021 at USP’s Marine Science Conference Room. The PACMAN Project is a collaboration of USP's - IAS, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) through its coordination team at the Ocean Biodiversity Information Systems (OBIS). BAF’s Acting CEO, Surend Pratap, said BAF would collaborate with USP-IAS to strengthen this research further by providing its high-class quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) facility for use to improve the PACMAN Project's planned outcomes. The qPCR machines enable real-time identification of multiple DNA regions or genes to identify an organism in a sample. The application is widely used in pathogen and virus diagnostics, e.g. for COVID-19 screening and gene expression studies to find out disease markers for research into potential therapeutic drugs that inhibit them. He said the USP - IAS team would utilise this equipment to identify target MIAS priority species consolidated from literature review and extensive consultations. "Because the qPCR analysis is such an important part of a scientific technique, it would necessitate the appropriate equipment for this trial study," he said. According to Mr Pratap, this relationship will result in a win-win situation for both institutions to build technical and management capacity in the early detection, identification, control, and where necessary, the implementation of appropriate eradication measures of marine invasive alien species. "Most importantly, it will significantly increase the ability to detect marine invasive species and to quickly deploy appropriate mitigation measures to address the problems caused by these species," he added. He stated that BAF was pleased to join USP- IAS on this initiative. USP-IAS Acting Director, Dr Isoa Korovulavula, thanked BAF for their cooperation and support, noting the signing was in line with USP's continuous support of BAF’s activities such as the processing of research samples sent and received, including initiatives like the GEF 6 Fiji Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project. "Implementing PACMAN (Project) entails not just the project itself, but also capacity building with BAF, particularly when it is required and data analysis sharing," he explained. Dr Korovulavula expressed his gratitude to the USP team who have been part of implementing the PACMAN project. "I believe our team is championing groundbreaking work, and we will continue to work with BAF and other partners on the implementation of this project and any future projects in biodiversity conservation and protection of marine and terrestrial environments", he added.

While a lot of activities have gone on hold due to Covid restrictions, the Port Moresby Nature Park, utilizing the advantage of its 30 acre land space, has come up with a fun yet educational activity to reward its visitors and supporters. The Nature Park’s current promotion connects people to wildlife through a Locate & Win Selfie Sticker challenge, which is Covid Safe and self-directed. There are four exclusive wildlife stickers placed in various locations around the Park for visitors to locate and take ‘selfies’ with in order to participate in the promotion. Participants are required to upload their ‘4 Selfies’ infront of the wildlife stickers onto Port Moresby Nature Park’s Facebook Page, tagging as many friends as they can. The activity has fast become a favourite among kids; hence parents and guardians are welcome to enter the promotion with their kids’ ‘selfies’ using their Facebook profiles for parental consent. This weekend will be the final weekend where families can participate in the activity. All four wildlife stickers will be up at their various locations until 12noon on Monday 22nd November when the draw will be done at the Port Moresby Nature Park. The Nature Park thanks its supporters Holiday Inn & Suites and Enzo’s Express Takeaway for being the promotion’s Prize Sponsors. Participants and supporters of the promotion are encouraged to follow the Port Moresby Nature Park Facebook page to find out who the 4 Lucky Winners will be.

The NGO-sponsored protest march, which is set to be staged tomorrow in National Capital District, can only be allowed by the Peace and Good Order Committee of the city if the organisers not only restrict it to 20 participants, but also they comply with Niupela Pasin Protocols to present their petition on ‘No Jab, No Job, policy to the National Government. If they exceed 20 participants, they must get the approval of the Pandemic Controller as there is a protocol in place restricting public gatherings to 20 or less and no protest or demonstration. During a press conference today at the City Hall Annex, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop made this known when commenting on the planned peaceful demonstration led by activist Noel Anjo and other NGOs. He said whilst respecting the rights of the people to dissent, fundamental rights to life must also be respected. Governor Parkop told media that the Peace and Good Order Committee, which he chairs, met and resolved that the request for a peaceful demonstration be approved by the Pandemic Controller. He clarified that the committee lacked authority to approve it, saying the Pandemic Act prohibits such gatherings comprising over 20 people due to the issuance of the protocols. All other public gatherings initiated by NCDC Management and Governor himself get approvals from the Pandemic Controller, he said, urging Mr Anjo to do the same. “Everyone including myself gets approval from the Controller and Mr Anjo cannot be exception. However, Governor Parkop made a commitment to receive the petition on behalf the legislative arm of the government and read it in Parliament when it meets this week if the Controller grants approval or the organisers limit their gathering to 20 or less people. “I will receive their petition and read it in Parliament if only 20 people gather.” Huge public gatherings, he said, threaten lives as they have been proven to be superpower spreader for community transmission of Covid-19, citing Independence gatherings and Late Sir Michael Somare’s funeral helped spread the spike of Delta Variant Corona-Virus which has wreaked havoc and is causing mysteries on people’s lives. Alternatively, he said it was appropriate for the NGOs to leave the matter to be dealt with by the Workers Union bodies or challenge it in court. “It is not appropriate for people who are unemployed taking up this matter as it does not directly affect them. What the NGO groups need to realise is the citizens have lost their jobs because the economic activities which are critical for employment creation, consumption, revenue generation and overall economic growth which have plummeted or slowed down due to Covid-19 impacts. “It was not Covid-19 vaccines that put our people off their jobs. Our people are losing their jobs because of adverse economic impacts induced by Covid-19 Pandemic. That is why in order for us to recover and open up the economy like everyone else, everyone should be vaccinated,” said Governor Parkop, a pro-vaccine advocate. Meanwhile, Governor Parkop called on fellow Parliamentarians to become steadfast and show leadership during this Covid crisis with uniform messaging.

Kopkop College Grade 12 student, Jamie Lape decided at an early age to pursue law, because he feels the system had failed his family, and that by becoming one, he hopes to inspire honesty and integrity. Jamie is the outgoing head boy of Kopkop College and a quiet, strong-minded young man who finished as the second highest academic achiever at the recent 11th grade 12 graduation of Kopkop College. “There was an incident that occurred when I was a small boy and my family had to go through the trouble of hiring different types of lawyers. We wasted a lot of money. “I was 12 years old at that time and it really affected me because I had to watch my parents come and go and sometimes, they came late at night. At times some of the lawyers they hired weren’t truthful. I decided that this was something that needed to be corrected,” recalled Jamie. Learning from this experience Jamie is determined to prove he could bring change by helping others. To Jamie, not everyone is always right, but a lawyer in his opinion must make an effort to be committed and honest. “You, as a lawyer, have to make an effort to be always available to assist people and especially when they trust you and entrust their legal matters into your hands.” “And that’s one of my ambitions that if I become a lawyer, I will make sure my clients receive my full service and attention. I will leave no stone unturned.” The 21-year-old is inspired by his mother, Ms Morrissa, a secondary school teacher at Kopkop College. Jamie says his mother is a strong woman who is unafraid to stand up for what is right. With pride, Jamie’s father, Willie Lape describes his son as a determined young man, saying he is glad Jamie wants to join the legal force, an area he formerly served as a police officer for 14 years. “As an ex-policeman I’m proud of Jamie and proud that he is determined to take up law and I’m very thankful to Kopkop College. The school has molded him to be who he is, to study hard and to be confident. The school offers subjects at one grade-level up from other schools and is very competitive,” Mr Lape said. For Jamie, the support he has received from his teachers, the administration and his friends over the last seven years has certainly helped him to come out of his shell and take on leadership duties which he says will inspire him towards his journey.

Provinces in the Southern Region will be experiencing more rainfall in the coming months as the wet season had arrived two weeks earlier than expected. National Weather Service acting Director Jimmy Gomoga said that whilst Southern region will see more rainfall, Highlands and Momase regions will experience normal rainfall condition and the New Guinea Islands region will see below average or dry condition. In updating on the country’s weather forecast, Gomoga also said Western, Gulf, Central, NCD, Milne Bay and Northern provinces will be experiencing severe thunderstorms and lightning in the coming days. “This is mainly due to the transition from dry season to wet season where the warm air and cold air giving off this severe sparks we see in lightning,” Mr Gomoga said. “People will need to stay clear off power poles and trees at this time.” “Also those living near rivers must be cautious and move to higher grounds.” He further urged everyone to be informed with the current weather forecast at this time.

Under the 2021 Graduation theme “Mask Up. Roll Up. Graduate.” Kopkop College successfully graduated its year 12 students on Saturday November, 6th, 2021, as it stands in solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. Kopkop College, a permitted private school, has proven academic records which annually sees most of its Grade 12 students successfully entering their choice of institution. The students will be amongst some 30,000 others vying for spaces at tertiary level next year. The school’s 11th graduation was held under strict COVID Protocol and included just the parents, grade 12 teachers, supporting staff, the executive director, school board chair and the keynote speaker Cardiologist Professor Sir Isi Kevau. Leon Buskens, chairman of the school board said the school was fortunate enough to have held its graduation amidst such an unprecedented time where impacts of COVID 19 are felt globally. He encouraged students to be strong, to depend on each other for support and to always seek help. Female student, Eva Aimas took out the most outstanding academic award followed by male student, Jamie Lape. The school also recognized two long-time students termed as Kopkop College Babies, Petronella Buskens and Annieosciller Turi who have been with Kopkop since pre-school. Jamie Lape who intends to study law, said the past two years under covid-19 have been tough but they all have remained resolute. There was not a dry-eye at the graduation as he joined his friends to sincerely thank parents and teachers for their continuous support. Kopkop College Executive Director, Maria Kopkop told the graduands: “Nothing comes easy, all things come with hard work, passion and commitment. Every one of you must have a mindset for next year.” She said Kopkop College is all about family and thrives on that relationship to ensure both the children and parents get the best alternative education. “There are opportunities everywhere for education but at Kopkop College we take in-depth insight into learning. We believe in our children and we believe in nation-building through our children.” Ms. Kopkop urged parents to begin saving up for next year, in preparation for the worst that may come from COVID-19. The college continues to emphasize on the importance of hygiene and cleanliness and aims to follow all COVID protocols while recently making sure both its academic and non-academic staff are provided testing. “There is a daunting database regarding corona-virus. Families, it is not a joke anymore,” Ms. Kopkop said, urging those who have yet to be vaccinated to follow protocols so that everyone is kept safe on campus.

Mitchell Pearce has officially been released from the final year of his contract with the Newcastle Knights to take up a Super League deal. Pearce has been strongly linked to an immediate move to French Super League club, Catalans Dragons, to finish out his professional career. The 32-year-old formally asked for a release from the Knights last month after meeting with club power brokers. Newcastle announced that Pearce had been released effective immediately, so he could take the French deal with a reported $1.8 million over three years. “The Newcastle Knights have agreed to grant Mitchell Pearce a release to join English Super League Club, Catalans Dragons,” a club statement read. “Pearce requested a release from the final year of his current contract in late October, with both parties working through the process, making it effective immediately. “The Knights would like to thank Mitchell for his significant contribution since joining the club in 2017, celebrating many highlights including 300 NRL games and back-to-back finals series.” Pearce will replace James Maloney, who officially retired after a two-year stint with Catalans. The development comes after Foxsports.com.au revealed that the Knights are expected to request a transfer fee as part of the release conditions. Pearce leaves the NRL after playing 309 first grade games over stints with the Roosters and Knights. He is a premiership winner and played 19 games for New South Wales. Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks was touted as a potential replacement for Pearce but his club are determined to keep him. Newcastle re-signed young playmaker Phoenix Crossland last week.

Today, the U.S. government—through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—announced $4 million U.S. dollars in urgent COVID-19 assistance for Papua New Guinea as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This emergency funding will support the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as they battle the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the deadly Delta variant. Support includes the procurement of critical commodities to support oxygen delivery and clinical care, and provision of training and wraparound technical assistance to ensure the prompt distribution and use of the oxygen across PNG’s health facilities. “The Government of Papua New Guinea has had to respond to dynamic and uncertain challenges as this devastating pandemic evolves,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee. “This additional funding is an example of the United States’—and the American people’s—commitment to providing quick and agile support when and where our partners need it the most.”  With this additional assistance, the U.S. government, through USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has provided more than $16 million U.S. dollars to address COVID-19 in PNG. USAID support has helped the country implement internationally recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems, case management, and surveillance tracking, and communicate effectively about COVID-19 prevention and care.  Additionally, the U.S. is the largest vaccine donor in the world, recently marking the major milestone of 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered worldwide to more than 100 countries and territories. PNG has received 302,400 Johnson & Johnson vaccines donated by the U.S. government through the COVAX Facility—a global initiative to provide safe and effective vaccines—to which the U.S. is the largest donor. The U.S. is committed to partnering with PNG and other Pacific Island countries to end the COVID-19 pandemic, mitigate its devastating social and economic impacts, and build back a world that is even better prepared for future outbreaks. Earlier this month, USAID observed its anniversary, marking 60 years of development partnerships globally. USAID has worked hand in hand with the Government of Papua New Guinea since its founding to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, economic development, energy, good governance, disaster risk reduction, and health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19.

Japan's former princess Mako has arrived in the US with her new "commoner" husband, Kei Komuro, after leaving the royal family. There was minimal pageantry as the college sweethearts, who wed last month, left from Tokyo airport on Sunday morning. They will rent an apartment in New York where Mr Komuro works at a law firm. Under Japanese law, female imperial family members forfeit their status upon marriage to a "commoner". The pair were heavily guarded by police and airport security as they strolled through the departure terminal. They passed about 100 journalists who were there to witness them leave, but did not respond to questions. Footage broadcast in Japan showed the couple arriving in New York and walking through the airport with security guards, before getting into a waiting vehicle. Their move to New York had long been rumoured and Mako, who took her husband's name when they got married, is reportedly expected to find a job in the city. However, the couple faced a set-back to their plans last month when Japanese media reported that Mr Komuro had failed the New York state bar exam. Prospective lawyers have to pass the tests to practise law in the state. Mr Komuro is currently working as a legal clerk. The move to the US has drawn comparisons with British royals Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, earning the newlyweds the nickname "Japan's Harry and Meghan". The couple faced significant opposition when they first announced their engagement four years ago and their relationship has been subject to tabloid gossip and controversy over claims that Mr Komuro's mother had reportedly taken a loan from her ex-fiancé and not paid him back. The coverage led to the then-princess developing post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Imperial Household. When the couple married last month they skipped the usual rites of a royal wedding and turned down a payment offered to royal women upon their departure from the family. Former princess Mako, who is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, is the first female member of the royal family to decline both. SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Mitch Marsh has delivered on the biggest stage, with a tremendous 77 not out to help Australia to a maiden men's Twenty20 World Cup title. Australia claimed an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in Dubai as Marsh, who came in with his side at 1-15, joined David Warner to take apart the New Zealand attack in the biggest successful run chase in a World Cup final. Australia chased down the 173 runs needed with 7 balls to spare as Glenn Maxwell hit the winning runs with a reverse sweep and Australia erased the memories of their 2010 final loss to England. Often-maligned and somewhat divisive among cricket fans and analysts alike, this performance was Marsh at his best. His intent was clear from the first ball he faced, when he hit New Zealand quick Adam Milne for six. He never let up from there in an innings that saw his 77 runs include 10 boundaries, 4 of them sixes in 50 deliveries. It was a performance that won Marsh the man-of-the-match award and left him elated on the podium after being reminded his career has had a few peaks and troughs. "I don't really have words right now, " Marsh said. Marcus Stoinis continued the Marsh love-in post-match, as he lauded the all-rounder. "I can't wait to keep playing with this team ... you won't find bigger supporters of Mitch Marsh than right here apart from probably his family," Stoinis said. "We are so happy for him." While Marsh was brilliant, he was ably supported by Warner, who for the second time in the knockout stages set up Australia's run chase. Warner was later named player of the tournament and said the team victory was "up there with 2015", when Australia beat New Zealand in the ODI World Cup final. Against Pakistan in the semi-final Warner made 49 before being given out caught behind in dubious fashion, and here he made 53 to again get a big run chase off to the perfect start. This time there was no doubt about the method of dismissal though. With Australia on 1-106 after 12 overs, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson knew a wicket was needed and called for his strike bowler Trent Boult. On the second ball of the ensuing over a fast, skidding delivery rattled Warner's stumps. After his swing and miss the Australian learned nothing from the trials of New Zealand's Devon Conway and his broken hand, and punched his bat in fury. From there Maxwell, who had been out of touch throughout the tournament, threw the bat at nearly everything on his way to 28 and victory seemed academic until a few nerves hit in the 18th over, when Milne went for just three. Order was restored in the next Tim Southee over as Australia rounded out the victory before wild celebrations commenced. Those celebrations would have been much to the relief of fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, albeit for different reasons. Starc was hammered by New Zealand's batsmen as he finished with figures of 0-60, and while Hazlewood was excellent with the ball, taking 3-16 and helping to hold New Zealand to their worst powerplay for the tournament of 1-31, he made what could have been a fatal error. After Australia had already dropped opener Martin Guptill, Williamson hoicked a full toss from Starc down the throat of Hazlewood at fine leg only for Starc's fellow quick to drop the regulation catch as the ball burst through his hands and to the boundary for four. The sense was there that Australia knew the significance. [caption id="attachment_16797" align="aligncenter" width="669"] Josh Hazlewood was excellent with the ball but his drop of Kane Williamson on just 21 was a turning point for New Zealand.(Matthew Lewis/ICC via Getty Images)[/caption] Starc was doubled over as if he had been punched in the stomach and a crestfallen Hazlewood stood with his head hung low and his hands on his hips. Williamson then went about making Australia pay. He smashed Starc for four on each of the next two deliveries, taking the over for 19 as he started to accelerate his own innings and push the run rate up. By the end of the over he had 35 from 25 deliveries and two overs later had his half-century as he hit Maxwell for two consecutive sixes, the first coming with just one hand on the bat. [caption id="attachment_16798" align="aligncenter" width="712"] New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was in such good touch he hit a six one-handed.[/caption] Williamson would eventually make 85 and rubbed salt into Starc's gaping wounds in the 16th over of the innings as he took the left-arm quick for 22 runs, the worst single over figures in a T20 World Cup final. Williamson was all class as he paid tribute to Australia's performance after New Zealand once again suffered the heartbreak of losing a tournament final. "It was nice to get what we thought was a competitive total only to be chased by Australia, they are a brilliant side and came out here tonight and turned it on," he said. SOURCE: ABC NEWS

Britney Spears' conservatorship was terminated by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny on Friday. Spears had been subject to a conservatorship for more than 13 years. "She will wake up tomorrow as a free woman," Spears' attorney, former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart, told ABC News' Kaylee Hartung. Both Rosengart and Spears' father and former conservator, Jamie Spears, had filed to end the conservatorship prior to Friday's hearing. "Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!!!" Spears tweeted. "I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day !!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen???? #FreedBritney" After the ruling, Rosengart told reporters that the conservatorship had been "corrupted" by Jamie Spears, whom he accused of taking a significant amount of money from the singer. In the past, Jamie Spears has denied wrongdoing. “This is a monumental day for Britney Spears, it’s also a somber day for me, for Britney and I think for a lot of us who have been following conservatorships and how they operate," Rosengart said. "Many people have asked if we will continue to investigate Mr. Spears, and that is ultimately up to my client." What is a conservatorship, and why did Britney Spears have one? A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which a guardian is placed in charge of a person's affairs when they are deemed unable to care for themselves. After Spears was hospitalized twice for mental health issues in early 2008, a judge placed Jamie Spears and a court-appointed conservator, attorney Andrew Wallet, in charge of every aspect of the singer's life. Wallet resigned in early 2019, and later that year, Jamie Spears stepped down as conservator of his daughter's personal affairs, citing health problems, according to reports from that time. He remained in control of her finances, and a professional fiduciary, Jodi Montgomery, was placed in charge of managing the singer's personal life. In a statement following the termination of the conservatorship, Montgomery's lawyer, Lauriann Wright, said: "Throughout the conservatorship, Ms. Montgomery has been a tireless advocate for Ms. Spears and it has always been her goal to give Ms. Spears a path towards termination of her conservatorship. That day is now here. Ms. Montgomery is happy to continue working for Ms. Spears and assisting Ms. Spears in her freedom, independence, growth, wellness, and happiness outside of the conservatorship." What has Britney Spears said about the conservatorship? Spears did not speak publicly about the conservatorship until June 2021 when she pleaded with Penny in court to end the arrangement. Calling it "abusive" and saying that it was "doing me way more harm than good," Spears said the conservatorship had left her "traumatized." "I'm not happy. I can't sleep. I'm so angry it's insane. And I'm depressed," she said. "I cry every day." Spears also took aim at her father, whom she said should "be in jail" for the way he's treated her. In response, a lawyer for Jamie Spears read the following statement in court: "He is sorry to hear his daughter in so much pain. Mr. Spears loves his daughter and misses her very much." [caption id="attachment_16778" align="alignnone" width="919"] In this combination of photo, Jamie Spears, father of singer Britney Spears, leaves the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Oct. 24, 2012, in Los Angeles, left, and Britney Spears arrives at the premiere of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on July 22, 2019, in Los Angeles.[/caption] When did Jamie Spears exit the conservatorship and why? Just weeks after Rosengart filed court documents calling for his removal, Jamie Spears indicated in August that he would step down as conservator. In court documents obtained by ABC News, he stated that while he believes it is "highly debatable whether a change in conservator at this time would be in Ms. [Britney] Spears' best interests," he was prepared to remove himself from the arrangement. "Even as Mr. Spears is the unremitting target of unjustified attacks, he does not believe that a public battle with his daughter over his continuing service as her conservator would be in her best interests," the paperwork stated. "So, even though he must contest this unjustified Petition for his removal, Mr. Spears intends to work with the Court and his daughter's new attorney to prepare for an orderly transition to a new conservator." Rosengart told ABC News in a statement that it was a "vindication for Britney," but added that his fight wasn't over. "We look forward to continuing our vigorous investigation into the conduct of Mr. Spears, and others, over the past 13 years, while he reaped millions of dollars from his daughter's estate, and I look forward to taking Mr. Spears's sworn deposition in the near future," he said. In September, after Jamie Spears filed to end the conservatorship, Penny suspended him from the arrangement, citing a "toxic environment." Certified public accountant John Zabel was appointed as the temporary conservator of her estate, as requested by Spears' attorney. What's next for Britney Spears? Spears said in her June testimony that she wants to "get married and have a baby," and in September, she announced her engagement to actor Sam Asghari. Soon thereafter, Rosengart acknowledged in a court filing that attorneys want to iron out a prenuptial agreement on her behalf, and the next month, the singer asked her fans where her wedding should take place. SOURCE: ABC NEWS

Ireland are being congratulated on a job well done against the All Blacks, beating them for the third time in five years. First it was their shootout win in Chicago, then the Aviva arm wrestle in 2018, but this morning was different. Ian Foster even admitted post match that this was the "best Irish performance in my time" and it's pretty hard to disagree. The 29-20 result really could have been a greater margin, given the overwhelming amount of possession and territory the home side had, but it's unlikely anyone currently celebrating in Temple Bar cares one bit. This was a complete defeat inflicted on the All Blacks. There was a sniff of a repeat on the cards of the 2013 miracle win by them at the same venue, but had that eventuated then it would have been a travesty. It's not so much that they played particularly badly, it's that they were barely allowed to play at all by an Irish team who could smell blood in the water. After Kiwi-turned-Irishman James Lowe opened the scoring with a well taken try in the corner, it felt like the only time the All Blacks touched the ball was when Codie Taylor streaked away untouched. It has to rank among one of the great sporting miracles that they somehow lead at half time, but even that wasn't really fooling anyone. While their goal line defence was outstanding, it was never going to keep the Irish out forever, cracking minutes after the restart when Ronan Kelleher bashed over. Caelan Doris's surge up the middle signified that the dam had burst, from then on the Irish were content to let the All Blacks chase them. Will Jordan's piece of trademark freakishness pulled them close, but again that was completely against the run of play and, if anything, caused them to shift gears to really kill the game off. It was then that Ireland really showed just how dominant they were, not even letting the All Blacks out of their half for the remaining moments, that loss eight years ago still obviously very much in their minds. While there was jubilation at the end, the reaction from a lot of the Irishmen looked like they always knew they were going to win this test anyway. In fact, the most excited was Lowe, who may well have been an All Black not that long ago and freely admitted as much in his post match interview. The last two Irish losses were to NZ-born coach Joe Schmidt, this time Super Rugby castoffs Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki all were part of the green monster wave that engulfed the All Blacks and drowned them slowly in front of 50,000 fired up fans. It's hard to really say who played well for the All Blacks, given that they all had to tackle more than any other match they'll play this year. They do deserve some credit for that but they still did leak their second highest total of the season, which puts the spotlight firmly on Foster and his staff about what sort of game plan they had going in. They were out coached by Andy Farrell, pure and simple, who had done his homework and backed his veteran Johnny Sexton to get the job done. The All Blacks' response was to try and bash Sexton out of the game, and while that did eventually happen late in the second half, till then it just seemed to make the 36-year-old play better and better. This is the problem now for Foster and also John Plumtree, who have repeated ad nauseum the need for All Black physicality. While shots on Irish ball carriers were fierce and repeated, the aggression needed to be channelled into actually getting the ball back, which only seemed to happen an inch out from their tryline. The All Blacks need to find that formula, fast. Another loss next week and there will be more questions than answers about this 2021 campaign. SOURCE: RNZ NEWS