Captain Johnny Sexton said he would not take long to reflect on Ireland beating the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in the second Test on Saturday in Dunedin.
Prop Andrew Porter was the hero for the visitors, scoring both tries in a 23-12 triumph, while an indisciplined New Zealand played the most of the match with 14 men after a reckless first-half which featured two yellow cards, and a red for replacement prop Angus Ta’avao.
Ireland led 10-7 at the interval and pulled clear after the break to equal their highest winning margin against New Zealand, matching the 11-point victory in Chicago six years ago, their first win in 111 years of trying.
Ireland have won four of their last seven matches against the All Blacks and can secure a rare series win for any nation on New Zealand soil by winning the third Test in Wellington.
“No Irish team has ever done it before. We are delighted but it is all on the line next week,” Sexton told Sky Sports.
“We didn’t give the best account of ourselves last week and the All Blacks punished us for our mistakes but they [the coaching team] put us in a really good place.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Sexton leads Ireland to milestone victory
For the All Blacks, it was a night to forget as Leicester Fainga’anuku and Ofa Tuungafasi were shown yellow cards for infringements midway through the first half, before Ta’avao was sent off for a high tackle on the half-hour mark.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster said he had no complaints about any of the cards and he would not spend time seeking excuses.
“They were an Irish team that turned up really desperate and they pressured our skill set. That’s what Test matches are about and we were a bit off dealing with that,” Foster said.
“It’ll be an eye-opener for a few of the newer players in terms of feeling that tension and pressure and trying to force things when you’re one man down.
MORE: All Blacks cut to size by Ireland
“The good news is we get another chance next week, which is something to be excited about.”
Ireland face the Maori All Blacks in Wellington on Tuesday before next week’s decisive third Test.
© Agence France-Presse
