New Zealand v Ireland LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Ireland make history by winning deciding Test
Follow reaction as Ireland make history by beating the All Blacks in a titanic series decider
A courageous Ireland held off a fierce All Blacks fightback to claim an epic 32-22 win in the series-deciding third test in Wellington on Saturday.
Beaten in the opening test at Eden Park, Ireland completed rare back-to-back victories over New Zealand following their win in the second match at Dunedin.
It was not only a first series victory in New Zealand for the Irish but the first time the All Blacks have lost a series on home soil since 1994.
Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw all crossed in the first half as the visitors surged into a 22-3 lead but the All Blacks hit back and got to within three points. But Rob Herring’s try 15 minutes from time proved decisive as Andy Farrell led his men to an historic triumph.
Follow live reaction from New Zealand vs Ireland in the series decider, below:
England withstand late pressure to seal series victory over Australia in Sydney
England dug deep to complete a series victory over Australia with a 21-17 victory in the third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground that saw towering rookies Freddie Steward and Tommy Freeman play starring roles.
Eddie Jones’ tourists built a 21-10 lead through tries from Steward and Marcus Smith and the kicking of Owen Farrell, but it began to crumble when Folau Fainga’a crossed in the 66th minute.
But instead of folding as they did in the first Test, on this occasion England showed the resolve to keep the Wallabies out despite sustained late pressure, with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Courtney Lawes combining to secure a critical late turnover.
England withstand late pressure to seal series victory over Australia in Sydney
Luke Cowan-Dickie and Courtney Lawes combined to secure a critical late turnover as the Wallabies cranked up the pressure.
England beat Australia 21-17 in Sydney to win the series 2-1
And their head coach Eddie Jones is next to speak into the Sky Sports microphone.
“The big difference between the first and third Tests is that we kept fighting, we kept in the game. The defence of our finishers at th end was outstanding and that got us the result. We stuck at it, it was a difficult came for us. The conditions weren’t ideal for rugby and we probably didn’t adapt as well as we could. But we kept fighting, great effort by the leaders: Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, Ellis Genge and Jack Nowell particularly.
“I think it is a really positive step. We have always felt the team is going in the right direction, but sometimes the results don’t reflect that. This is a young, inexperienced squad but to have an experience like that is fantastic.
“I think we are in a good position. We have just got to slowly, slowly keep improving. It is like training a race horse - we have got to be at our best for the World Cup final.”
And some more thoughts from Courtney Lawes, who enjoyed an outstanding series
“That was tough. I’m spent, properly spent, and I think it really showed what it means to us to play for this team. We had a pretty tough start, both to the series and this match, but we showed what we are made of.
“We didn’t come out how we wanted to. The message at half-time was to stick together. We did what we said we wanted to do, which was improve every week. You learn a lot from games like this, even when you win.
“We have still got a lot to learn, don’t get me wrong. But when you can win a game like this when you haven’t really fired a shot, you show your mettle. It is great to come away with the win.”
Courtney Lawes lifts the Ella-Mobbs Cup
The England captain is asked for some reflections on the series, and says: “I want to say massive thank you. We have been so welcomed - credit to the Austrlaian team ,what a challenge it was. We appreciate our fans and the Australian fans for making such a great atmosphere.”
Over Lawes strides to his teammates, already in celebratory formation behind the commemorative banner. Clutching the Ella-Mobbs trophy in one hand, Lawes lifts it high above his head as the streamers fly. It was gritty and at times grim, but if that is to be the final traditional summer tour, England go out on a winning note.
F/T: Australia 17-21 England
The SCG has emptied quickly as the disappointed Australian fans exit into the Sydney night, but there are still a few watching on for the first presentation of the Ella-Mobbs Cup.
The Player of the Series is a perhaps confused-looking Marika Koroibete, who has swapped shirts with Jack Nowell.
Freddie Steward gives his immediate reaction after another fine performance
“Unbelievable,” the England full-back says to Sky Sports. “The boys dug in and fought and gave everything. That was a proper Test match - it’s special.
“It’s been an incredible experience. We’ve had some great times, we’ve got a great set of lads here and to come away with a series win is fantastic. To come here and put in a performance like that is pretty awesome.
“It’s a great way to end the season. I am looking forward to a great night with the lads.”
F/T! Australia 17-21 England
Tense, tight, and not at all tidy, but eventually England emerge on top in Sydney. From 1-0 down they’ve fought back to claim another series victory in Australia, securing the inaugural Ella-Mobbs Cup. It is a series win that will do plenty for the youngsters in the squad, and some of the old guard, too.
Australia 17-21 England, 80 minutes
Up Australia get to tap the ball back. But is it coming out of that ruck? The hooter sounds as a tangle of bodies come down together, and though the scrum would have been the Wallabies’, the referee’s whistle will mark the end of the series. England have hung on - they take the series 2-1.
Australia 17-21 England, 79 minutes
There’s the new man Suliasi Vunivalu, but Owen Farrell has him handled. Samu Kerevi is everywhere, first up the left, then the right.
But that’s outstanding from England’s captains old and new - Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes attack a breakdown, Lawes hooking the ball back on England’s side. Jack van Poortvliet nearly breaks up the left with Henry Arundell for support, but is tap tackled before he can release a pass.
Here come Jack Willis - held up over the line. Australia will have a goalline dropout with time ticking towards the red...
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