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:
New Zealand 17-22 Ireland, 54 minutes
This has been an excellent opening 15 minutes to the second half from the All Blacks, who have gone more direct, attacking the inside of the Irish defence having been well-handled out wide in the first half. Neither Brodie Retallick nor Ofa Tu’ungafasi will be returning, though - they have both failed their head injury assessments.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 17-22 Ireland (Akira Ioane try, 52 minutes)
What a try from Akira Ioane! This is a brilliant solo effort from the back row, remarkably his first in international rugby. There appears little of promise as Ioane carries from first receiver, facing up to a well set Irish defence. But Ioane is so tough to put down, as Dan Sheehan finds out as he bounces back from his waist, and Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Furlong fail to grasp him, too.
There’s still Mack Hansen to beat, and Ioane gets by the Ireland wing with a sharp step and a swivel of the hips, diving for the line to complete the job. Jordie Barrett’s conversion nudges New Zealand back to within five points.
YELLOW CARD! Andrew Porter is sent to the sin bin! New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 51 minutes
It’s yellow! Boos from the Wellington crowd recalling the dismissal of Angus Ta’avao last week, but the officials decide that this is a more passive collision, bringing the sanction down from red to yellow.
Off Porter goes for ten minutes, and Retallick, too - for an HIA that may end his evening. Tupou Vaa’i on in the All Blacks’ second row.
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 51 minutes
Andrew Porter is going to be in trouble here. He is upright as Retallick charges towards him, and there is direct head-to-head contact...
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 50 minutes
A game of kick tennis breaks out as both sides seek to win a slow-developing territorial battle. Hugo Keenan very nearly knocks on, gathering on the scramble with his second clutch at Jordie Barrett’s thump, and it all eventually comes to a halt near halfway, where New Zealand will have a lineout.
Hang on - Brodie Retallick is down in discomfort after an apparent head-to-head collision with Andrew Porter. TMO Tom Foley calls down to Wayne Barnes, who will wander over to the screen...
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 49 minutes
Beauden Barrett has developed his kicking game off his left peg over the years, and uses his weaker foot well, finding space beyond Mack Hansen and eventually touch to switch the field.
Johnny Sexton stays down for an extended period before Ireland throw a lineout. Joey Carbery rises from the bench and readies for entry, but Sexton will continue.
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 48 minutes
Plucked out of the air! Tadhg Beirne extends his big left paw and hangs on, snaring the intercept as Aaron Smith fizzed a miss ball at the line for a lumbering Nepo Laulala.
The All Blacks scramble back well to prevent the long-striding Beirne getting up to full canter, and soon enough have the ball back as Ireland kick possession away.
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 47 minutes
James Lowe is given rather rough treatment as he comes off his wing and charges into a group of familiar friends and foes in black shirts.
Robbie Henshaw squirms out of a tackle but is then brought permanently to floor, the centre’s wriggling taking him away from supporting teammates and allowing Ardie Savea to win a turnover.
New Zealand 10-22 Ireland, 45 minutes
New Zealand are clearly trying to remain at top intensity and put a bit of pressure back on Ireland. Aaron Smith is too hasty there, though, rushing around the corner of a ruck before the ball had exited the breakdown. Ireland kick down to New Zealand’s 22-metre line.
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