Ireland's first three-test series against New Zealand has begun with a comprehensive defeat in Auckland this morning.

After Dan Carter and Jonathan Sexton traded penalties early on, Carter sent the ball over twice more to give the All Blacks a lead.

The home side then extended this advantage when Julian Savea went over on debut following some swift passing.

Savea continued his dream start in the black shirt by collecting a clever Israel Dagg pass and forcing his way over the line to give the hosts a 20-point lead just before the break.

Savea completed a debut hat-trick three minutes into the second period by offering support to Dagg, who found the winger to go over in the corner.

Carter was on fine kicking form and converted Savea's third to make it six from six with the boot.

Carter was at fault for Ireland's first try moments later when his kick was charged down by Rory Best. Rob Kearney collected the loose ball and kicked long, with Fergus McFadden outpacing All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw to flop over the line.

The hosts pushed their lead to 25 points when substitute flanker Adam Thomson went over, with Carter missing his first attempt of the night with the conversion.

As the game drew to a drizzly close at Eden Park, Conrad Smith scored the final try of the match with three minutes remaining to give the All Blacks a 30-point advantage.

The second test of the series takes place in Christchurch in a week's time.