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All Blacks survive in cruel win over Irish to complete perfect season [HIGHLIGHTS]

24th November, 2013
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The All Blacks are number one but England are advancing slowly. (AFP PHOTO / MARTY MELVILLE)
24th November, 2013
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The All Blacks survived a momentous scare from Ireland before scoring a try in injury time to snatch a 24-22 win in Dublin and complete a perfect season.

With New Zealand trailing 22-17, reserve centre Ryan Crotty crossed 90 seconds after the final hooter and five-eighth Aaron Cruden slotted a sideline conversion.

It was the first time the All Blacks led a breathtaking Test, which Ireland led 19-0 after 18 minutes.

The hosts appeared on course to win their first Test over New Zealand in 108 years up until the final movement of the game.

Ireland held possession with less than a minute to play but conceded a penalty in New Zealand’s half.

The world champions showed their composure, holding onto the ball as they ground downfield before reserve hooker Dane Coles popped a pass to Crotty, who crossed in the left corner.

The try was analysed for nearly five minutes by English third match official Graham Hughes, who eventually ruled Coles’ pass wasn’t forward, prompting deafening boos from the 51,000 capacity crowd at Aviva Stadium.

With the scores level, there was more drama as Cruden missed his initial conversion attempt.

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However, Welsh referee Nigel Owen deemed Ireland had charged at the kick too early and allowed the No.10 a second chance, which he slotted.

By avoiding one of the great Test rugby upsets, New Zealand compete the season with 14 wins from as many games, becoming the first team in the 18-year professional era to produce a 100 per cent record.

Their last performance was an error-strewn one against the world No.7-ranked opponents who played with far more commitment, particularly heading into halftime with a 22-7 advantage.

Ireland’s performance was a stark contrast from their 60-0 loss when they last played the All Blacks in Hamilton 17 months ago and from the listless 32-15 loss to Australia last weekend.

New Zealand improved their record against Ireland to 27 wins and one draw from 28 Tests, ending a European trip in which they never hit their straps, scraping past France 26-19 and England 30-22.

Irish halfback Conor Murray barged through three All Black tight forwards to open the scoring in the fifth minute after a ferocious opening from the home pack.

Hooker Rory Best ploughed across in similar fashion soon afterwards and fullback Rob Kearney put Ireland 19-0 ahead in the 18th minute when he scored a 75m try after opposite Israel Dagg spilled possession.

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The All Blacks crossed through winger Julian Savea, courtesy of a neat Cruden cross kick, but Sexton’s first penalty kept momentum going for the hosts heading into halftime.

A Cruden penalty and converted try to reserve prop Ben Franks in the 65th minute after a series of All Black drives set up a thrilling finish.

Sexton missed a penalty in the 73rd minute which would have put his team two scores ahead before setting up Crotty’s try with a heady mix of desperation and accuracy.

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