Ireland recorded a first series win in New Zealand with a convincing victory over the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.
The Irish scored four tries on the night, with captain Johnny Sexton successful with the boot for 12 points, as Andy Farrell’s charges trumped the Kiwis on home soil for a maiden success in the 117-year history between the All Blacks and Ireland.
Ireland led by 19 points at half time – the biggest trailing margin ever for the All Blacks at the interval – and despite a brave fightback from the hosts, the men in green dug in for a famous 32-22 victory at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
It was an incredible first 40 minutes from the Irish, who opened their account early when blindside flank Josh van der Flier crashed over after a great surge at the maul.
Sexton slid his conversion attempt wide on the near side, before All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett missed his effort from the kicking tee from the 40-metre range.
The hosts dominated the possession and territorial stakes midway through the half, and had the momentum as Barrett finally found his radar in front of the sticks for the Kiwis’ first points of the match.
But, the visitors seized their opportunities on attack and scored their second five-pointer when Kiwi-born left wing James Lowe passed back inside for fullback Hugo Keenan to finish off. Sexton added the extras, and the veteran flyhalf later ignored the boos from the crowd to slot over his penalty kick with the aid of the woodwork.
He converted once more to give Ireland a commanding 22-3 advantage at half time after inside centre Bundee Aki opened up the defence to put midfield partner Robbie Henshaw over to the left of the posts.
WATCH: D-Mack drops down a level
The All Blacks made the perfect response after the break, taking the ball through 24 phases and forcing Ireland to leak penalties near their own line, before No 8 Ardie Savea reached out to score.
The TMO review confirmed the try and Barrett made no mistake with the conversion to give the home support something to shout about.
Ireland were down to 14 men when loosehead prop Andrew Porter was yellow-carded for a high tackle on lock Brodie Retallick, and the Kiwis made their numerical advantage count immediately.
Flank Akira Ioane got past several tackles in the 22 and side-stepped around right wing Mack Hansen to go over for a converted touchdown for a big momentum shift in the match, only for Sexton to make it an eight-point game from out in front before the close of the third quarter.
Sexton struck the crossbar with another penalty strike, and New Zealand made him pay after Savea spotted an opportunity and released wing Will Jordan from his own 22 to dot down for an unconverted five-pointer.
But, Ireland took a 10-point lead with 15 minutes to play after replacement hooker Rob Herring broke off a well-driven maul and stretched over under immense pressure, before Sexton nailed the conversion.
The All Blacks were desperately camped inside the Ireland half for the closing stages of the epic clash, and threw everything at the tourists, but the Irish defence held up until the final whistle for a memorable result in New Zealand.
