All Blacks: Deny Irish at the death
Related links
Teams
Also see
Ireland turned up the heat in freezing conditions to push New Zealand all the way, before eventually succumbing to a 22-19 defeat in Christchurch on Saturday.
With the scores level at 19-19 and one minute remaining in the match, All Blacks pivot Dan Carter broke Irish hearts with a last-gasp drop goal to win the game and the series.
It was a valiant effort from the visitors, who led the world champions by one point (9-10) at half-time, but were left playing catch-up following an early try to Aaron Smith two minutes after the break.
But the men in green managed to claw their way back and when All Blacks full-back Israel Dagg was yellow-carded in the 72nd minute, Ireland were presented with a golden opportunity to retake the lead from 49m out.
However, Jonathan Sexton's attempt had the direction but not the distance as the ball fell agonisingly short. From there the hosts put themselves into a position to set up Carter for the match-winning drop.
His first attempt off his right boot, however, clipped an Irish hand and sailed wide. But Carter wouldn't miss the second attempt, and this time - off his left foot - sent the ball between the sticks.
Jubilation for the All Blacks, heartbreak for the brave Irish.
Declan Kidney's troops had promised they would up the intensity after being run off the park a week ago and they were certainly true to their word as the visitors - roared on by dozens of Irish fans - threatened to snaffle their first-ever Test win over the All Blacks in their 26th attempt.
Ireland supporters would have been choking on their Guinness after looking at the scoreboard to see the visitors 10-0 ahead in the opening quarter of the match thanks to an early try from Conor Murray and the boot of Sexton.
Ireland made the most of an early line-out close to New Zealand's line with brilliant effect, mauling the ball superbly before Murray - despite having no blindside support - made a dart to get the ball over for the try. Sexton added the conversion and nine minutes later he added his first penalty.
The All Blacks were able to put their first points on the board through a Carter penalty in the 21st minute. As in the first Test, Ireland went off the boil when the game headed into the second quarter and as New Zealand's intensity grew, the home side forced errors at the breakdown. This allowed Carter to add two more three-pointers that closed the gap even further.
The number ten had a chance to put his team in front on the stroke of half-time, but his fourth penalty attempt didn't have the legs and allowed Ireland to head into the half-time sheds 10-9 ahead.
That lead lasted just two minutes after the resumption before Smith grabbed his first Test try after a burst from Sonny Bill Williams. Williams crashed into the Ireland pack and as the All Blacks piled in, their livewire scrum-half was driven over the line for the try that Carter duly converted.
Any thoughts that the floodgates might open as they did in Auckland seven days ago, were dispelled as Ireland rallied with Sexton adding his second penalty in another strong attacking period that had the All Blacks scrambling to make try-saving tackles.
But with that storm weathered, the momentum again swung the other way and Carter's fourth penalty extended New Zealand's lead to 19-13.
Ireland then came back with two more Sexton penalties levelling the scores to set up a dramatic finale.
Pressure mounted on New Zealand as Adam Thomson joined Kieran Read on the injured list, leaving them only two specialist loose forwards. Dagg's sin-binning for a late charge on Rob Kearney didn't help matters either for the hosts.
But at 19-all and a man down, the All Blacks rallied one last time and fittingly, Carter - a Canterbury local - was there to hold his nerve and seal the outcome.
Man of the match: For New Zealand, Dan Carter was obviously the man of the moment thanks to his match-winning drop-goal. But it's hard to look past the gallant Irish who silenced their critics with a superb effort that came within fractions of the most famous Irish win in history against the world champions. And it's for that reason why we've opted for a collective award to the entire Ireland team.
Moment of the match: With 40 seconds of the match remaining, it has to be Carter's winning drop goal.
Villain of the match: Israel Dagg's brain implosion that so nearly cost his team defeat.
The scorers:
For New Zealand:
Try: A Smith
Con: Carter
Pens: Carter 4
Drop: Carter
For Ireland:
Try: Murray
Con: Sexton
Pens: Sexton 4
Yellow card: Dagg, 72 mins (New Zealand, foul play)
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip. 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Dan Tuohy, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Peter O'Mahony, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Simon Zebo.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
By Dave Morris
Comments
kpe12 says...
Regarding NZ supporters.
Just to clear up so people have a better understanding why NZ supports are so poor.
One of the greatest reasons is because NZ doesn't have "supporters clubs," the majority of our supporters are blue collar workers who have never experienced a "real" stadium atmosphere (like you would observe in Wales, or a European soccer match). They don't know how to coordinate a song/chant/distraction. Because of this we resort to "oohs" and "ahhs," clap a lot, scream "all blacks" and boo.
If you want to see true NZ supporter atmosphere you need to go to a high school 1st XV and watch the schools do their hakas throughout the game.
The sooner the ABs management get together a TRUE ABs supporter club that can make up/sing songs and get the whole crowd involved the better. Until then, I apologize on behalf of NZ supporters for the booing kicks at goal, but be thankful you're not getting 30,000+ people doing the haka as you line up the kick.
Posted 23:35 16th June 2012
isthatrightref says...
An airborne shoulder charge is still a shoulder charge & deserves a penalty... a yellow card seems excessive, though.
In terms of the last scrum I'm no expert on scrums but it seems to me that Ireland were rather hard done-by.
As long as drop goals are part of the game & worth 3 points, take 'em when you need 'em (Cardiff '07, anyone?)
Posted 23:26 16th June 2012
MacTavish says...
Everyone calls the All Blacks Cheats. Well well, whats new? When you break the law, you get penalised. EVERY Team gives up penalties, not just the All Blacks. And EVERY good number 7 is there to push the boundries. Fact. Pocock, like McCaw, and all the rest play the same game. Before you run around calling anyone cheats, when was the last time your team ever went a game with giving up a penalty? Huh? ALL TEAMS play the same game and push the laws. The only person who can be blamed is the Ref. He is there to make the calls. Play to the Ref. And Daggs Yellow. Joke. Not a man on this planet can change his line IN THE AIR... For me nothing malicious, but if anyone saw it different fine, penalty at best but how it was a card is beyond me. As far as the result. I think credit to the Irish, they played their guts out and put the ABs under pressure for long periods. The ABs played below themselves and still managed to nick it. Next game they wont make the same mistakes. Who cares anyway. All Blacks win they are cheats. All Blacks lose they get laughed at for not winning. Cant win either way so who cares what others think!
Posted 23:25 16th June 2012
brands says...
@TominHongKong
what u on about? respect?? the ABs truly respect their oponants, good engrish by the way donut.
Posted 22:45 16th June 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
SACanuck , the droppie should be 1 point and used as a game breaker only.. as it was... no need for Jannie to kick 10 in a match thank you :)
Posted 22:30 16th June 2012
loose_surfer says...
IRELAND CHOKED..but well done..NZ'er but the Irish deserved the win..against 14 men, a forward pack with 3 locks (both the starting 6 & 8 were off), Ireland lacked the composure to create history..looked like the moment (victory at hand) got the better of a few if not all, being too aggressive looking for a try, rather than try to grind the ABs down in search of a penalty..sadly, the AB establishment are no mugs, and personnel and tactical changes for the final Test will kill off all romanticism and should see the ABs run out comfortable victors =) ..cheers all.
Posted 22:28 16th June 2012
kinsman says...
@stag
My point, as you hopefully are well aware, is simple... when you live in a glass house, don't throw stones.
Posted 22:23 16th June 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Superb game of rugby, just what NZ needed to set them up for a tough season. Well played by both teams, everyone involved will be far better for it.
Posted 21:21 16th June 2012
makemehappy says...
@Euskadi - spot on - some people seem to think this is a non-contact sport and that gravity shouldn't apply lol! I was disappointed that the commentators didn't work out (best angle from behind Kearney) that this was just not a foul.
Posted 20:43 16th June 2012
Euskadi says...
Wake up crunchfit, i'm saying that if Dagg had have raised his arms to block the kick then he probably would not have got a yellow. Dagg braced himself for impact, anyone whose ever played the game knows that the natural inclination is to lead in sideways with your shoulder, self preservation being a natural instinct. Dagg was in the air before Kearney kicked so impossible for Dagg to change direction midflight. Did Dagg know what he was doing?...probably/yes. Was he trying to hurt Kearney...I dont think so. Was he trying to maim Kearney with an elbow or a forearm? Of course not or Kearney would have coped it. Was Dagg trying to impede Kearney...of course. Is that a yellow card? No. To Kearneys credit he didn't milk it, took the hit and got up. Accusations of elbows and forearms to the face is trying a bit hard pal.
Posted 20:19 16th June 2012
hybrid187 says...
My word... well played Ireland... even as a staunch AB supported I take my hat off you boys. I even wouldn't have minded BOD finally beating the ABs as thats the only thing he hasn't accomplished yet in his illustrious career.
As for all those guys booing the last minute drop goal... especially you Saffas... yes we went for a drop goal.... difference is it wasnt in the first few minutes (or half) ... it was in the dying seconds of the game when we needed one. South Africa woulda won this game by more, purely cause you would have resorted to drop kicks by both Mornes the whole 2nd half...
Posted 20:09 16th June 2012
Rosbif says...
@kiwieire02. Yes indeed, the shadows of Thorn and Kaino loom large! There was a lot of talk a while back about Kaino signing for my home town club Toulouse. He was even spotted a few times at the airport hehehe, but I guess it didn't work out. Shame for us.....but at least he didn't join Cotter & co at Clermont :-)
Posted 19:57 16th June 2012
Greyprop says...
Wasn't I wise getting in early with my praise for the teams, before the trolls, pseudo experts and armchair refs took over. I firmly believe that some people here watch the game but don't see the play. They are sitting with pen and paper noting down all perceived injustices against "their team", then at the final whistle rush here, "to have a go".
It's only a game, watch it and enjoy it for gods sake.
Referees are only human. they will sometimes get it wrong. Times the whistle goes for you. Times it doesn't. Anyone who has played rugby knows that.
One name to to single out for special praise, Rory Best, not mentioned on any post here, but had an immense game.
Posted 19:49 16th June 2012
pantreac says...
I am not complaining about the result but I hope the citing commissioner looks at the incident when O'Driscoll was at the bottom of a ruck and a New Zealander violently assauted him by elbowing him on the ground. which caused the cut under his eye! Just imagine the difference playing Reddan would have made!
Posted 19:28 16th June 2012
Darth_Hans says...
Tough, brutal game at times, just like some of the Tri Nations games.
True classic test rugby that went down to the wire.
All Blacks will be very proud as they had to dig very, very deep.
Both sides pushed rules past limits, pinged for some, got away with some.
Wow! Next week will be very close again!
Posted 19:26 16th June 2012
leinsterblue says...
gutted by the result...great day for us but NZ just had that extra step that we lacked...there was nothing lucky about the way we played as, in my opinion, for parts of the game, we were the better team out there....sadly, history will only reflect one thing - and that is the result...well done New Zealand - we made ya work for this one :)
@editors - as I have posted previously (after the Ospreys game), there is a lot of anti irish sentiment on this site and by you guys allowing these posts through, it makes me think that you support these views...in addition, some Irish fans have let themselves down with their posts...so, show some more care when 'reviewing' posts and stop some of the garbage / inflammatory posts getting through ...otherwise, we are just turning into a soccer forum...
The editor says.... Even idiots have the right to share their opinion. No one is obliging you to read them, nor answer them. Don't feed the trolls and they'll go somewhere else.
Posted 19:16 16th June 2012
Cdn_content says...
I was genuinely disappointed for the Irish, this game was there for the winning, rog coming on actually did help them. Not sure if it was a lack of discipline, poor technique or a bad tactical call, but the scrum outside the ab 22 was a costly. Pushing for a pnalty might have cost them as if the abs had simply been allowed to clear the ball from the scrum, they would have had a long way to go. Being over aggressive at that point in the game in that end of the field cost the welsh as well. Forcing the abs to clear their end could have resulted in a different outcome. Still would have liked to see zebo come on. Only Irish back with the pace to beat an ab.
Most exciting game I've seen in awhile. Well refed as well by Nigel.
Posted 19:07 16th June 2012
kiwieire02 says...
@Rosbif
Kaino is moving on to japan unfortunately. The All Blacks are really missing him and Thorn.
Posted 18:38 16th June 2012
makemehappy says...
Thank you editor for correcting sextons_on_fire.
@sextons_on_fire - no hard feelings, but now I really would recommend you apologise! Time to grow up I think. I wasn't objecting to banter or informed comments. Just someone being stupidly rude. Time to move on though if you aren't willing to apologise as a genuine rugby supporter and would.
Think NZ won't now be as experimental in the third test as I had thought before going into this game. Not sure Ben Franks will keep his place.
Posted 18:29 16th June 2012
LondonWasp says...
what a turn around from last week eh?!
last week NZ beat ireland so hard that their ancestors felt it. this week Ireland very well nearly beat the worlds best. unlucky result for Ireland. would have been a cracker to watch for either team, unlucky I missed it...
Posted 18:14 16th June 2012