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.
HALF TIME! Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
But no! Porter spills the lineout and that brings an enthralling first half to an end.
Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
39 mins: But still, Ireland come forward. New Zealand concede the penalty as Sexton kicks for the corner.
With the clock now in the red, Ireland have one last chance.
Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
38 mins: Outstanding defence from the All Blacks! Ireland work it well from the lineout as the on-running Aki bursts into space. Sexton goes left and Lowe has a chance, but he can’t wriggle away from four New Zealand defenders. Ireland go back inside through the forwards, with Van der Flier making a break, before Sexton is held up on the line! Somehow New Zealand stand firm. They make the turnover, only for Lowe to run it back, before Gibson Park spills it under pressure! New Zealand are then finally able to clear into touch.
Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
36 mins: Sexton is again the target of a late hit and that earns Ireland a quick penalty. Sexton picks himself up before kicking for the corner, as Ireland look to hit back!
Ireland 5-10 New Zealand
34 mins: The All Blacks add the conversion and the mood inside the Aviva is suddenly very different.
TRY! Ireland 5-8 New Zealand (Codie Taylor 32’)
How about that for a swing! New Zealand clear to touch after winning a penalty at halfway, and from the lineout Dalton Papalii strikes. He makes a break in between Kelleher and Furlong before off-loading to Codie Taylor, who raced over the line.
Ireland 5-3 New Zealand
NO TRY! It’s disallowed! Kelleher is adjudged to have made a second movement after he was tackled short of the try-line. New Zealand clear.
TRY! Ireland 10-3 New Zealand (FURLONG 30’)
Brilliant from Ireland! Kelleher makes the initial charge in the rolling maul following the lineout. He’s stopped at the try-line, before Furlong picks it up and dives over!
Ireland 5-3 New Zealand
29 mins: New Zealand are back up to their full contingent - but Ireland continue to push them back into their own half.
The hosts come again, with Lowe making another break up the inside. The move grinds to a half on the 5-metre line, but New Zealand throw the ball out of play as they tried to pass it out from the back.
There’s concern as Sexton receives some treatment after a high hit, but he looks as if he is going to continue.
Ireland 5-3 New Zealand
27 mins: Lowe made the break up the inside as Ireland forced New Zealand back inside their 10-metre line, They got the ball back into the hands of their forward pack, but it again ends in an Ireland turnover as New Zealand win the penalty.
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