Ireland beat New Zealand for the first time in 111 years on Saturday and at the same time snapped the All Blacks’ record 18 match winning streak.
ADVERTISEMENTIreland beat New Zealand for the first time in 111 years on Saturday and at the same time snapped the All Blacks’ record 18 match winning streak.
Steve Hansen’s Kiwis arrived in Chicago looking to stretch their winning streak to 19 matches in the first of four autumn internationals for both sides.
In front of a capacity 60 000 crowd at Soldier Field, Joe Schmidt’s Ireland had other ideas.
New Zealand ran in the first try, though, when George Moala pounced on a loose ball to put the world champions 5-3 in front after five minutes
But Ireland went on to dominate the rest of the first 40 minutes and tries from Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray helped Ireland to a stunning 25-8 lead heading into half time.
It got even better for Ireland just after the restart after Simon Zebo crossed over to add another five points to his side’s tally but that’s when the expected All Blacks comeback started.
TJ Perenara made the most of Dane Coles’offload to score while Ben Smith and Scott Barrett also crossed over to bring New Zealand to within four points which to set up a thrilling final 15 minutes of play.
With four minutes remaining Jamie Heaslip’s reverse pass – following a five metre scrum – met a fast-moving Robbie Henshaw, who powered over the line to hand Ireland an heroic 40-29 victory.
It was Ireland’s first ever win over the Blacks in 111 years and 29 attempts.
The two sides will meet again in two weeks’ time in Dublin after Ireland host Canada next Saturday when the All Blacks take on Italy in Rome.
The #TeamOfUs#shouldertoshoulderpic.twitter.com/taTbidunYf
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 5, 2016
A huge thank you to the supporters in Soldier Field today. It was #HomeAdvantage for the #TeamOfUspic.twitter.com/GnCQkYZJrj
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 5, 2016
History is made. What a match. What a result.
IrishRugby</a> 40 - 29 <a href="https://twitter.com/AllBlacks">AllBlacks#TeamOfUS#IREvNZLpic.twitter.com/cqb2G2C52G— Vodafone Ireland (@VodafoneIreland) November 5, 2016