Ireland defeated New Zealand 40-29 in Chicago tonight.
What a night it’s been for Irish rugby. Never before had Ireland beaten the All Blacks, but you wouldn’t have known the Irish were underdogs such was the manner of their performance.
The Irish pack constantly harried their opponents, kept their discipline in defence, incessantly pressurising the All Blacks into errors.
Although it seemed as though New Zealand would inevitably overhaul Ireland’s lead after Scott Barrett’s 63rd minute try, Joe Schmidt’s team remained calm, forcing their much vaunted opponents into retreat with a number of well aimed box kicks.
Ireland’s pressure was such that Julian Savea inexplicably decided to run the ball out from behind his own try line, but was swallowed up by a wave of defenders.
From the resulting scrum, Jamie Heaslip kept his composure, running a brilliant switch play with Robbie Henshaw who barged his way over the line to claim Ireland’s match winning score.
Centre Robbie Henshaw takes @IrishRugby to the brink of history.#IREvNZLhttps://t.co/tMhlWmBgfN
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) November 5, 2016
It’s taken 111 years but @IrishRugby have done it.#IREvNZL https://t.co/15gLNtp1S2
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) November 5, 2016
Dose @ConorMurray_9 ever play a poor game? #consistant #class #IREvNZL ????????????????
— Colm O Neill (@crossbar13) November 5, 2016
This ??? #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/TA6cKkkfrA
— Adam Redmond (@AdamRedmond) November 5, 2016
Unbelievable Jeff #IREvNZL
— Jamie Hagan (@Hago_3) November 5, 2016
Hoarse here. History made where no one thought possible. Spirit of Axel all over it. #proud ❤️❤️??#IREvNZL
— OLLIE MORAN (@olmorfs) November 5, 2016
What a time to be alive!!! #IREvNZL @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/F6z0oL8iu6
— Ronan Costello (@anonymousronan) November 5, 2016
Myself n the sweet people of @WestportHall just went nuts when we got the final score!
Mad respect to @IrishRugby #IREvNZL ☘️?— Andrew Maxwell (@andrewismaxwell) November 5, 2016
This is a truly momentous day for Irish sport. I’m stunned, shaken, and most of all, bursting with pride #COYBIG #IREvNZL
— Daragh Faughnan (@DaraghFaughnan) November 5, 2016
Consider no Sean O’Brien or Peter O’Mahony #IREvNZL
— Jack Murray (@mediamurray) November 5, 2016
Alan Drumm, Pundit Arena
Heineken Rugby Club celebrates and rewards real supporters who make the game what it is.
Read More About: All Blacks, conor murray, Ireland, Jamie Heaslip, Joe Schmidt, julian savea, new zealand, robbie henshaw, Scott Barrett, Top Story
