It took 111 years to do it, but Ireland have finally recorded a win over the All Blacks, defeating New Zealand 40-29 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
In a week where Chicago’s Cubs broke a 108-year drought, and a year where Leicester City, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Western Bulldogs and the Cronulla Sharks all produced shock title wins, Ireland have add even more mystique to the proceedings.
» Five talking points from Ireland’s big win
» Re-live all the action with our live blog
That finishes the All Blacks’ record win streak, stretching back to last year’s Rugby World Cup, at 18 matches – a fine feather in their cap, but it ended in Chicago.
Ireland become just the sixth nation in history to ever beat New Zealand in the sport that they have so often dominated – along with Australia, South Africa, France, England and Wales.
The final result of 40-29 also saw the All Blacks give up the equal-fourth-most points they have ever conceded in a Test – the most ever being 46 against South Africa in 2000.
The Irish dashed out to 25-8 half-time lead thanks to tries from Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray – but, it seemed to be a familiar tale being written as the All Blacks began to close the gap in the second half.
New Zealand came as close as four points away from the Irish, trailing 22-29 in the match when there was just 15 minutes left to play.
However that was when Robbie Henshaw made the moment his, scoring a match-sealing try that will live forever in Irish rugby mythology.
“We just talked about attacking New Zealand,” said Irish captain Rory Best.
“We knew they are a great side. You can see how good a side they are and how much it means to our boys to have won that.
“We just had to go out and attack them.
“If you give them ball and stand off them they’re an unbelievably dangerous outfit. I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve put in over the last couple of weeks.
“It’s been a long time coming and history (has been) made. We’re absolutely ecstatic.”
All blacks hard!!!
Guest
Hi all!! First and foremost,congrats ireland!!awesome game,well played.better late than never. Would like too ask a few questions that i obviously cant figure out myself.hopefully somone here can answer it for me?? Im still annoyed with the all blacks,in the game involving georgia at the world cup!!! I put a bet on all blacks too win comfortably by 60points and over.I think they won 40something too 10?After the game,hansen openly said that they had deliberately put themselves under pressure,to "simulate"what they would be up against in the knockout stages.so obviously they didnt play too there full potential.I understand if you couldnt play the way you wanted to play because the opposition wouldn't let you.eg ireland!! But too deliberately not play too your best ability,esp knowing (assuming im not the only one who made that bet)that theres ppl out there having a punt on the score line,is something entirely different??Is that not a form of "taking a dive"so to speak? If so,did i just get robbed?? If i had known that the all blacks were going too use that game as a "training run or simulation",I would never have bet them to win by over 60points!! I dnt know?what do you guys think?cheers all!!!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Great stuff Poth Ale ... Ireland deserves all the accolades ...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep CP but where is NZ light in depth? THP and Hooker maybe? Ok we had three locks go down or unavailable but we still had locks (chosen in the squad for their positional prowess with back hibrid back up in Luatua but Steve Hansen chose to play a blindside (Kaino) as a lock for the game. We all know how that turned out. When he was subbed off after losing 57% of our own throws, we subbed out of the game, probably the premier No 6 in world rugby. Based on the selected playing squads, NZ was comprehensively outplayed and Steve Hansen was out coached. At the end of the day, congratulations are in order for a great victory for the Irish
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
James Lowe played really well for NZ Maoris but to be fair, USA Eagles were very average ... Lowe has a good boot on him too ... he kept driving USA back into their own half time and again...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yes he did ... bit rusty but he will be back. The comeback started when TJP replaced AS in the 45 minute.
Jacko
Guest
He could be Brian
Jacko
Guest
Yeah what is a wolla ped and if you are sitting on one is that con seated?
Jacko
Guest
LOL I remember my 3 year old having a pee in a sandbox. And to think I told him off at the time.
Jacko
Guest
So this losing 5 in a row you mention. Is that like Cheika in the first 5 tests Aus played this year? I think you have your MAN TANTIES all mixed up there Booze out yonder
Colin Fenwick
Guest
Up nearly 2.5% https://au.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=%5ENZ50
Jaap
Guest
Probably not, since Steve Hansen doesn't act like a clown. Gracious in defeat and gracious in victory. No finger pointing. No ref blaming. No conspiracy theories of media collusion and no accusations about throwing accusations. No jumping up and down like a spoiled brat in the coaches box. No pigheadedness about failed selections. No crying when they're "disrespected". He just goes about his business without a fuss.
Chivas
Guest
And for the record Ken you aren't doing anything of the sort... and trying to be clever and suggest you weren't backhanding kiwi rugby fans at the same time is disingenuous. You may sound clever to your friends but don't think everyone else is impressed by preppy boy double entendre. And using the royal we doesn't pardon your poor attempt to say that this wasn't your intent.
woodart
Guest
hole yes,,head ,no.....
Chivss
Guest
And that was your point Ken.. to say something nice about one team and it's fans while back-handing another. So when you say we are congratulating one team... we'll that would be nice if it was all you and cohorts like PeterK and Boz were doing... but with you and then it never is. I think the Irish did fantastically well and I am absolutely stoked for them including their coach, rugby team and fans. Hope they bring the same enthusiasm with them to Dublin and take it right up to the AB's again. Awesome and well deserved result! See no need to backhand anyone there and I was able to express my genuine feelings about the loss. So my point to you is simply, you can congratulate Ireland without needing to resort to petty snide little comments. But then again maybe you can't?
Chivas
Guest
Exactly right Antoni. And tomorrow is a new day and it can all change again for anyone and at some point I imagine will. Both Australia and Wales have a bit to do to turn these losses around, but that is the beautiful thing about sport... they have demonstrated before they can and will.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Might want to make sure you make it to class on time today Curly. Your spelling could do with some extra attention.
taylorman
Roar Guru
What's the chances of him outcoaching him at Dublin? Perhaps we'll let his team doing the talking. And by that measure Hansen has outcoached everyone else 18 of the last 19, some many times over, not a bad record is it?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Sandbox - care to provide any data about the claim regarding the NZ Economy or domestic violence rates? Or are you just talking ou of a hole in your head?
ric
Guest
Hahaha. Best putdown I have seen in a while. Love it!
ric
Guest
Congrads to Ireland! Better team definitely won on the day. Probably should be more upset, but hopefully this is a reminder to the ABs not to take winning for granted. Looking forward to the rematch!