Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn internationals
It is the third win in five Tests for the Irish over the All Blacks
Ireland dominated from start to finish to topple New Zealand 29-20 at an electric Aviva Stadium on Saturday and make it three wins from the sides’ last five meetings with another superb performance against the All Blacks.
Ireland completely controlled the first half but somehow trailed 10-5 at the break when only James Lowe could breach the superb New Zealand defence.
Codie Taylor’s try on the other hand came from one of only two visiting forays into the Irish half.
The onslaught continued in the second period and the All Blacks dam was broken, first through hooker Ronan Kelleher and then man-of-the-match Caelan Doris. A conversion and a penalty from captain Johnny Sexton put the hosts 20-10 in front.
Will Jordan’s 17th try from 11 caps set up a tense final 20 minutes but Ireland stood firm with replacement flyhalf Joey Carbery knocking over three late penalties, one from the halfway line, before the packed house erupted on the final whistle.
TRY! Ireland 15-10 New Zealand (DORIS 51’)
Ireland retake the lead as Caelen Doris scores his first international try! Following the lineout, Ireland set up possession just outside the 22-metre line. Doris took the ball from the ruck and made a quick break up the inside of two New Zealand players before crossing beside the posts!
Ireland 10-10 New Zealand
49 mins: More slack play from New Zealand as Ioane’s pass goes behind his target, as the All Blacks looked to spark some momentum. That forces New Zealand to kick clear, before Sexton forces them back deep into their half as he finds touch.
Ireland 10-10 New Zealand
47 mins: Ireland are forced to deal with a couple of testers after New Zealand go for the air. The line speed from Ireland is also good as New Zealand have a spell on the ball - before their move breaks down as Will Jordan knocks on.
Ireland 10-10 New Zealand
46 mins: Sexton can’t add the conversion after his kick strikes the post! Ireland keep possession following the restart.
TRY! Ireland 10-10 New Zealand (KELLEHER 44’)
Brilliant from Ireland! The swiftly move the ball from left to right following the line out after some lovely carries from the backs, with Lowe again involved! New Zealand stop them on their try-line, but unlike much of the first half, Ireland are able to find that extra yard as Kelleher powers over with help from Henderson!
Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
41 mins: Both sides start the second half with an exchange of kicks, before Ireland win the first penalty of the half after Papalii is penalised following a good take from Lowe. Sexton kicks for touch and Ireland keep possession inside the New Zealand half.
KICK OFF! Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
Sexton gets us underway! A huge second half coming up.
HALF TIME: Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
The capacity crowd inside the Aviva will sense their side have a huge opportunity to secure another historic result, here. If they can just be a bit more clinical in the second half, a second victory over the All Blacks on home soil could be there for the taking.
HALF TIME: Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
That was an impressive first-half performance from Ireland, but they somehow head into the break behind!
The hosts have dominated pretty much every category - including possessions, metres made and territory - but New Zealand are ahead on the scoreboard.
Ireland will be frustrated with the errors they made for both All Blacks scores, as well.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies