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Ireland beat New the All Blacks 23-12 in a crazy game in Dunedin, the hosts reduced to 13 at one stage and losing a star player to what seemed a miscalculation that will bring heat on head coach Ian Foster.
The Irish levelled the series at 1-1, taking full advantage after the hosts had lost Angus Ta’avao to a red card in the first half.
Prop Andrew Porter scored two tries and skipper Johnny Sexton added 13 points from the kicking tee as Ireland squared up the three-match series 1-1 ahead of next week’s decider in Wellington.
New Zealand’s discipline cost them dear with two yellow cards in addition to Ta’avao’s red in the first half and they were only able to score tries through flyhalf Beauden Barrett and replacement back Will Jordan.
Six years after their first victory over New Zealand in more than a century of trying, Ireland have now won four of the past seven encounters with the three-times world champions.
The Ta’avao red, for a high hit on Garry Ringrose, ultimately led to Aidan Ross needing to come from the bench to assist the ABs scrum. The coaches withdrew Ardie Savea, but in doing so it meant the powerful No. 8 could take no part in the rest of the game.
It confused, fans, coaches and the players as the All Blacks tried to restart the game with 15 at one stage.
Mack Hansen of Ireland wins possession from a high ball during the Steinlager Series match between New Zealand and Ireland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Despite 24 percent first half possession, the All Blacks scored in first half stoppage time to go to the break down 10-7. But Ireland, having looked unsettled by their advantage were ruthless after the break.
Former All Black Mils Muliaina said: “The captain was inspirational. They thoroughly deserved their win tonight. The All Blacks will be bitterly disappointed. Hindered by a few cards as well but they weren’t allowed to play their game.
“They’ll l be celebrating back in Ireland with a few Guinness.”
Skipper Sexton said he was delighted and made a point to mention that Ireland were the better team even at 15v15.
“We played some great stuff from the start especially when it was 15 against 15,” said Sexton.
“We’ve got a fantastic coaching team and they had us right up for the game. We didn’t give the best account of ourselves last week and the All Blacks obviously punished us for for our mistakes, but they put us in a really good place this week and all we had to do is go and deliver what they put together for us and we did that.
“If you’re playing the All Blacks you can never sit back – the times you do sit back they’ll punish you. Outstanding players, well coached and the best team for in the world for me.”
All Blacks captain Sam Cane was downcast.
“We showed some massive character to hang on and then score a try before halftime,” said Cane.
“But they’re a quality outfit and bounced back in a big way. We had too many unforced errors and it didn’t let us to get our game going. It will be all on next week.
“I can’t question the attitude, we’re right where we needed to be but some of our skill sets let us down and gave them opportunities to get back into the game and they’re a very good side. They took those, kept the pressure on, kept the scoreboard ticking over and were too good tonight..”