Ireland have finally made the breakthrough against New Zealand.
It was a bruising first half that contained a bevy of penalty concessions on the All Blacks’ behalf, but Ireland were unable to force their hand on the scoreboard, holding a slim three point lead at half time.
If it looked as though it would take a moment of magic to break the deadlock, Jacob Stockdale was equal to the challenge.
In the early going after the restart, Ireland’s lineout was a successful one.
A quick sequence of passes, including a nice reverse, found Stockdale out wide. A perfectly executed chip from the Ulster standout was chased right to the line and touched down for a moment that roused an already raucous Aviva home support.
Johnny Sexton converted to open a ten point lead over the mighty visitors.
At 16-6 with 25 minutes left, Ireland have a long way to go to earn a legendary win, but Joe Schmidt’s side look well up for it.
Poor Jacob Stockdale is a bag of nerves after that earlier mistake https://t.co/S4xUIVmxVk #RTErugby #IREvNZ pic.twitter.com/RTDZTO0IWI
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 17, 2018
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