New Zealand thrash Ireland 60-0 to claim series sweep

New Zealand posted a record-breaking 60-0 thrashing of Ireland in their third and final test match at Waikato Stadium this morning to complete a series sweep.

The All Blacks, who squeezed past the Irish with a last-gasp Dan Carter drop goal in Christchurch last week, scored nine tries including two each to Sam Cane and Sonny Bill Williams, and raced to a 29-0 lead at halftime.

Ben Smith, Hosea Gear, Israel Dagg, Liam Messam and Adam Thomson all also scored as the world champions recorded their largest winning margin against Ireland.

The previous largest margin was 53 points when the All Blacks won 59-6 in 1992. Today's win was the third time in their 27 tests that the All Blacks have held Ireland scoreless.

REUTERS