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As it happenedended1542495661

Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE - Hosts secure historic victory against the All Blacks

Relive all the latest from the autumn international clash in Dublin

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 17 November 2018 21:50 GMT
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Ireland's Joe Schmidt previews match against New Zealand

Ireland beat the All Blacks 16-9 at home for the first time on Saturday and laid a major marker for the Rugby World Cup next year.

The blockbuster matchup of No. 1 and No. 2, the champions of each hemisphere, lived up to the hype. Ireland edged a rugged first half, and in a more open second half produced a classic try and kept New Zealand tryless for the first time since last year's Lions tour.

At a highly charged Lansdowne Road, Ireland became the only team to beat New Zealand twice since the All Blacks won a second straight Rugby World Cup in 2015. The first time was in 2016 in Chicago, Ireland's first win over New Zealand in 111 years.

Even with that mental block gone, this victory was far more impressive: New Zealand was closer to full strength, and more aware of Ireland's threats.

But those didn't matter.

Even after enduring a hugely physical first half that was exhausting just to watch, Ireland had the wherewithal to execute a try-scoring move from a lineout on halfway. Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton switched play to Bundee Aki running back to the short side, and wing Jacob Stockdale chipped ahead. The best player of the Six Nations brushed past the surprised All Blacks, regathered and slid in.

Sexton converted from wide out for 16-6 with half an hour to go and put the pressure right back on the All Blacks.

But the world champions could score just one more penalty.

Knock-ons and spills plagued the All Blacks in front of a fast-rushing defence which squeezed the visitors.

AP

Relive all the action below

What time does it start?

Ireland vs New Zealand kicks off at 7:00pm on Saturday 17 November.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Channel 4 from 6:10pm.

Teams

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Kieron Marmion; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong; Devin Toner, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Andrew Porter, Ian Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour.

New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Karl Tu'inukuafe, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Liam Squire, Ardie Savea, Kieron Read.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert-Brown.

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A brutal contest between the two best teams in the world. Did we just witness a preview of next year's World Cup final? Immensely physical.

In terms of other standouts, Ardie Savea stood up for New Zealand around the ruck, and on the occasion of their 50th start in conjunction Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock were typically strong in the tackle (though both produced more errors than one would generally see).

Ireland are taking a lap of honour at the Aviva Stadium. Peter O'Mahony looks battered - his was a truly herculean showing.

Harry Latham-Coyle17 November 2018 21:10
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Amagnificent and historic win for Ireland, holding New Zealand without a try and defeating them 16-9 in Dublin for their first ever victory on home soil over the All Blacks.

That is all from us here tonight. Stay tuned to The Independent for reaction and analysis to all this weekend's rugby.

I've been Harry Latham-Coyle - thank you for joining me.

Harry Latham-Coyle17 November 2018 21:16

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