Ireland raced into a 19-0 by the end of the first quarter, but by the conclusion of their final GUINNESS Series game Joe Schmidt’s men were reflecting on a heartbreaking two-point defeat to New Zealand.
Conor Murray, Rory Best and Rob Kearney all touched during an awe-inspiring opening 20 minutes, as Ireland quickly hit their stride and physically imposed themselves on the All Blacks.
Murray and Best both struck from close range, finishing off fine spells of continuity from the home side, while full-back Kearney ran in a memorable breakaway score from the Irish 22-metre line.
The Aviva Stadium crowd responded to what they saw, raising the decibel level as man-of-the-match Sean O’Brien shone up front alongside inspirational captain Paul O’Connell, Cian Healy and Jamie Heaslip.
The assured Murray, Gordon D’Arcy and Jonathan Sexton controlled matters in midfield, the latter kicking two conversions as well as a 34th minute penalty as Ireland led 22-7 at the interval.
Devin Toner matched his second row partner O’Connell’s influence around the pitch with some fine work at lineouts and restarts, the result of which – on the back of a much-improved defensive performance – prevented New Zealand from building any real momentum in the first half.
A series of turnovers proved costly for Steve Hansen’s men who stayed in touch thanks to a Julian Savea try that was created by a well-judged kick from Aaron Cruden.
Cruden increased the pressure on Ireland with a 53rd minute penalty but Joe Schmidt’s charges ended the final quarter still 22-10 to the good.
The complexion of this high octane clash was changing though as replacement prop Ben Franks burrowed over for a converted try, setting up a grandstand finish with just five points in it.
It was an attritional conclusion as both sides scrapped furiously for possession and Ireland missed players of the calibre of Brian O’Driscoll and Best who both had to go off with injuries.
Sexton missed a gilt-edged chance to move Ireland 25-17 clear as he sent a 74th minute penalty wide, and a last-gasp turnover invited the World champions forward one last time.
Somehow, they summoned up a final push for the try-line with Ben Smith, Ma’a Nonu and lively replacement Beauden Barrett leading the charge.
They created enough space wide out on the left for Dane Coles to send fellow replacement Ryan Crotty through for the levelling try in injury-time, with television match official Graham Hughes confirming the preceding pass was not forward.
Amid a heartbreaking finish for the hosts, there was further drama as Ireland’s early charge for Cruden’s missed conversion attempt led to referee Nigel Owens ordering it to be retaken.
Cruden duly made no mistake on the second occasion, with his decisive kick bringing back memories of Dan Carter’s late drop goal which denied Ireland in Christchurch during the 2012 summer tour.
So, despite an heroic and at times exhilarating 80-minute display, Ireland’s 108-year wait for a win over New Zealand goes on. But, on this evidence, there is no doubt that elusive result will come sooner rather than later.
To put New Zealand’s incredibly gritty comeback in context, only two teams in the history of Test rugby have ever come back from more than 19 points down to win.
Fiji did so against Tonga in Apia in 2010. Tonga jumped out to a 28-0 lead after 27 minutes but lost 41-38, and Wales managed the feat in 1999, pulling themselves back from a 23-0 deficit against Argentina to win 36-26.
It was a huge show of self belief and never-say-die spirit by the battle-hardened All Blacks. The result saw them finish out a perfect 2013 with 14 straight victories – a new record in the professional era.
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