Ireland have beaten New Zealand, 40-29! It’s the first win Ireland have ever achieved against the All Blacks.
The fixture dates back to 1905, and this was the 29th contest between the two sides. Ireland had drawn one game and lost the other 27.
The loss brings an end to the All Blacks’ amazing record. Also, it’s the All Blacks’ first defeat in 19 consecutive Tests. The 40 points is the most that Ireland has ever scored against the All Blacks and it’s also the third-highest points tally conceded by New Zealand in their history.
South Africa beat New Zealand 46-40 in 2000 and France beat them 43-31 in the 1999 Rugby World Cup semi-final. Even Australia, having played 158 Tests against the All Blacks, far more than any other country, hasn’t managed to score 40 or more points against the All Blacks.
The historic win took place at Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago. Before the game kicked off, Ireland staged a moving tribute to the late Anthony Foley. They formed a figure eight on the pitch, the legendary player’s jersey number, while facing the Haka.
In a twist, Foley’s father, Brendan, had actually been a part of that legendary Munster team that beat the All Blacks back in 1978, the first and, until now, only senior Irish men’s team to beat New Zealand.
The first half went Ireland’s way, with New Zealand succumbing to ill-discipline and a malfunctioning line-out. Ireland went into the break up 20-8. It wasn’t the first time in the fixture’s history that Ireland had led the All Blacks only to have the win taken away (during the most recent Test in 2013, Ireland were leading for the full 80 minutes before New Zealand clinched it in injury time).
New Zealand played much better in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit. But Ireland held out as the clock counted down and prevented the All Blacks from gaining a lead, and the ref blew his whistle to great Irish celebrations.
The win will have to go down as the greatest in the history of Irish rugby. Sure, the Grand Slams in 1948 and 2009 were very special, but to beat New Zealand, who are World Champions, and coming off a record 18 consecutive wins, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Ireland played superbly; every player can hold their heads high for contributing to the great day. It would be wrong to single out individual players, but Conor Murray deserves special mention for playing superbly for the full 80 minutes.
Joey Carvery also did very well on his first cap (amazing to think he was playing semi-professional rugby less than a year ago. Now he’s playing, and beating the best team in the world).
When he came on for the injured Jonny Sexton, who was also brilliant, in the last ten minutes, he handled himself like a seasoned pro, taking the huge occasion in his stride. He looks to be a star of the future.
New Zealand, like the champions they are, have been gracious in defeat. Both captain Keiran Read (who had said before the game that he didn’t want to be the first New Zealand captain to lose to Ireland) and coach Steve Hansen praised the Ireland performance.
All Black legends Sean Fitzpatrick, Doug Howlett and Dan Carter (who said before the Test that an Irish victory would be a miracle) have also lauded the Irish win.
A terrific victory for Ireland and a great day to be an Irish rugby fan!
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