It’s not every day you witness something truly unprecedented.
29 times Ireland have faced the All Blacks over the last 111 years. Today, thousands of miles from home, they finally did it!
The best Ireland managed against New Zealand over the previous 28 meetings between the teams was a 10 – 10 draw in January 1973. Bar a handful of notable exceptions, every other contest has been more of a lesson than an evenly matched contest. But now we can demand respect.
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Heroic Henshaw
Three years ago Ireland started with O’Driscoll and D’Arcy in midfield. A lot has changed in the time since, including the rise of Robbie Henshaw as the rock at the heart of Ireland’s back-line.
INPHO / Billy Stickland
INPHO / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland
The Athlone man was simply magnificent in Soldier Field, making his presence felt all over the park, making huge tackles, choking Kiwi attacks and barrelling in to black jerseys to keep Ireland in the ascendancy.
Kiwi indiscipline
Ireland forced Steve Hansen’s usually disciplined men into a string of early penalties that kept them on the back foot early on. By the time eight minutes had elapsed, the All Blacks had already clocked up five penalties from Mathieu Raynal.
Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Joe Moody was fortunate to only see yelllow for the dangerous tip tackle on Robbie Henshaw. Ireland didn’t get flustered by any perceived injustice though, they set about making the most of the one-man advantage. The 10-minute period saw them turn a 3 -5 deficit into a 15 -5 lead.
The Toughest Test passed with flying colours
Aside from the heroic effort in the first Test in South Africa, Ireland showed little on the field this year to make us expect anything like this.
Not only did they put together solid set-pieces, all-conquering mauls and expansive backplay, they displayed an incredible amount of mental fortitude to keep attacking the previously ‘unbeatable’ Kiwis and, finally, put them away.
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Heroic Henshaw and more talking points from Ireland's long-awaited win over New Zealand
Sean Farrell reports from Soldier Field, Chicago
IRELAND RECORDED A first-ever win over New Zealand in today’s opening November international. You can find our match report from the game here, or read below for reaction.
History!
It’s not every day you witness something truly unprecedented.
29 times Ireland have faced the All Blacks over the last 111 years. Today, thousands of miles from home, they finally did it!
The best Ireland managed against New Zealand over the previous 28 meetings between the teams was a 10 – 10 draw in January 1973. Bar a handful of notable exceptions, every other contest has been more of a lesson than an evenly matched contest. But now we can demand respect.
Heroic Henshaw
Three years ago Ireland started with O’Driscoll and D’Arcy in midfield. A lot has changed in the time since, including the rise of Robbie Henshaw as the rock at the heart of Ireland’s back-line.
The Athlone man was simply magnificent in Soldier Field, making his presence felt all over the park, making huge tackles, choking Kiwi attacks and barrelling in to black jerseys to keep Ireland in the ascendancy.
Kiwi indiscipline
Ireland forced Steve Hansen’s usually disciplined men into a string of early penalties that kept them on the back foot early on. By the time eight minutes had elapsed, the All Blacks had already clocked up five penalties from Mathieu Raynal.
Joe Moody was fortunate to only see yelllow for the dangerous tip tackle on Robbie Henshaw. Ireland didn’t get flustered by any perceived injustice though, they set about making the most of the one-man advantage. The 10-minute period saw them turn a 3 -5 deficit into a 15 -5 lead.
The Toughest Test passed with flying colours
Aside from the heroic effort in the first Test in South Africa, Ireland showed little on the field this year to make us expect anything like this.
Not only did they put together solid set-pieces, all-conquering mauls and expansive backplay, they displayed an incredible amount of mental fortitude to keep attacking the previously ‘unbeatable’ Kiwis and, finally, put them away.
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As it happened: Ireland v New Zealand, November International
The42 Rugby Show from Chicago
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All Blacks Beauden Barrett Chicago Garry Ringrose History in the making Ireland Joe Schmidt Joey Carbery Johnny Sexton Jonathan Sexton New Zealand November Tests Rob Kearney soldier field