All Blacks: Deny Irish at the death
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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
Rosbif says...
@new_j4a. thks mate. you remind me of this guy i used to know from rondebosch who liked a drop of claret. he knew a thing or two about reffing too..... wonder what ever became of him....?
Posted 09:34 18th June 2012
blametheref says...
@Rosbif
You apologise for long posts, then I'm guilty big time as I tend to rant sometimes or most times, but your posts are always insightful and in most cases on the money, keep them coming
@ruckingkiwi
You're welcome, too...
To posters about receptions from different nations. Being Irish, I get furious about how some of my country-folk behave towards other rugby nationals and even their own rugby supporters, also the attitude of some Irish towards other Irish provinces' players etc. Someone mentioned irate and rude Irish barmen, totally agree with this, believe me, Irish rugby supporters get this too, as a large percentage of barman are usually GAA or Soccer supporters who begrudgingly see Irish rugby as an elitist sport. Which it was, but that's changing. The "Irish Barman" can be one of the grumpiest feckers one can encounter. In my town there are a number of pubs I do my best to avoid because the barmen are rude, frosty and act like dictators.
Kinsman mentioned he got a bad reception from some Irish because he had a NZ flag which has the Union Jack. Not surprised about this, because what he doesn't realize is (and someone should have told him) that some of my more ignorant countryman see any representation of the Union Jack on Irish soil as a no-no. Go into any Irish shop or supermarket, even British owned Tesco, and you will not see the Union Jack on any product. You will not see any product with "British" anything on it, even without the flag symbol...The Irish mentality can be strange at the best of times about numerous issues, our President even signed the book of condolences on Hitler's death during the war!...The most supported team in Ireland in any sport is the English soccer club Manchester United, yet most of these supporters would be the very people who would object to Kinsman's New Zealand national flag with the Union Jack in the corner...
Posted 09:33 18th June 2012
powerplay says...
@ TominHongKong
You dont need to be a archivist to know what you said its easy you just click on Semi preview and your there. But now that you bring it up, ok, lets check what you actually said!
"TominHongKong says........
Go you Wallabies and on to the final to win their THIRD World Cup AWAY from home . If by chance ABs do prevail it will be TWO World Cups AT HOME. Can't have much more of an advantage ABs. Will counselling services again be needed in NZ after Sunday . The 600,000 Kiwis in Oz will be welcome to use our services over there ! (I think these Kiwis must llike the place ...or the better money ] Go you good thing !"
What were you saying again Tom? "I never boasted about what Aussie might do in the WC just pointed out the natural, human dangers of overconfidence and arrogance"
So pointing out that aussie will have their "THIRD" world cup "AWAY" and comparing it to the chance that NZ will only have "TWO" world cups at '"HOME'" and the rest of your dribble about kiwis "needing counselling"......thats not arrogance isn't it??
What happened after that game from you??
SILENCE!!!
Not even a "Congrats nz you won" or a "Good game kiwis"..hoh no no no...Cant say that, that might be seen as humble...
NO..What Im gona do is say nothing for 6 months, until the kiwis almost again, and then tell those kiwis YOU GUYS ARE ARROGANT!!!!!!
HAHAHAahhahjajaa are you Kidding me??? hahaha.....Youre a joke right???
Please, until you can follow youre own advice, its better that you just shut up!!!
Posted 08:14 18th June 2012
Ramage says...
@stag Sorry to hear of the problem you had with Some NZers over there playing rugby, but I hope you don't judge us all on their attitude. Saw the same thing on my travels and in Scotland saw players no better and in some cases worse than the locals who were being paid for their play some of them were an utter embarrassment. However I suppose all countries have these people in the 7 years I spent living in Scotland and touring the UK and Europe the worst incident I will always remember was the utter rudeness and incivility I encountered in Cork Munster. In talking about my travels I often mention this guy and say it was the only place I had a problem which so upset me and of all places it was Ireland. However I know these creeps are everywhere. It leaves a sour tast Stag and I hope you realise we aren't all like that just as that Cork barman is not typical of all Irishmen.
Hey didn't your team give us a fright on Saturday, I'm living in Australia now, after leaving Scotland in 2007. Hardly ever used the puffer for angina since I've been here but boy had to go and take a puff or two at the end of that game lol. Well done to your team and most of your supporters whose comments despite being most disappointed and lacked the usual trolling comments one often reads on here.
Posted 07:23 18th June 2012
chuckpaki says...
The scrum that wheeled which the Irish were penalized was legitimate anyone that's played in the front row know when you wheel the scrum loose head will loosen off and in this case it came around too quick and lets face it the Irish had the better set pieces at scrum time and all of sudden the their scrum becomes non
competitive on one side.
Posted 06:43 18th June 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Stag, now they coach your provinces and assist your national set-up.. my British and Irish rugby experiences have largely been great, except for a little racial abuse, but you get that with people who are uneducated... none of my rugby mates from those parts would consider what you're saying, an agenda and stuff.. I don't even know what that means.. you've obviously had some poor experiences which is hard luck, although some people always look at things negatively. Come out here sometime and hopefully your opinion can be changed.
blametheref, you're welcome..
I wouldn't have had much of an issue if a penalty had gone Irelands way and we'd lost that game, that happens in rugby, it's just a game and the referee rightly or wrongly has to make a call. I don't care what Owens has done in the past, in that instance he penalised Ireland for screwing the scrum, it certainly looked like they did.. and maybe some justice for Daggs harsh yellow or for the missed jersey pulling and constant offsides.. but hey, you do what you can to win the game.
I'm not so sure people would agree with you wholeheartedly, NZ dominated territory and possession for that match (around 60% in each), it was our error count which was the undoing, they easily had enough ball to run in more points, credit to Ireland however, but I wouldn't say they deserved to win and were robbed.
NZ should be very thankful to Ireland for the close call, it'll set them up for a good run through a very tough season. The new recruits know all about test rugby now, it'll be interesting to see what happens this weekend. Good to see Messam in the squad and a shame Afeaki isn't there, our scrum wouldn't move an inch with him packing down
Posted 01:44 18th June 2012
trelawney says...
@euskadi you are correct in saying "if Dagg had raised his arms to bl;ock the kick then he would not have got a yellow". Having watched (through Sky in the UK) a lot of SH & NH games I have never seen any player do as Dagg did. Card justified.
@makemehappy I don't know which lot of commentators you were listening to, Kiwi or ukUK but the UK commemntators did condemn Dagg.
The drop kick needs to have the same score, but it should only be used as a last resort in the last minutes of the game. SA used it when there was no need to.
As for NZ supporters booing the kicker - shame on you - please do not lower your selves to European football/soccer fans.
Finally this was a tremendous game to watch - at 2.00am! After a night out at my local cricket club.
I hope to see many more games like this in the future.
Posted 00:13 18th June 2012
new_j4a says...
@Rosbif, you say "(sorry for the long post) " On the contrary, that was fascinating. Can we have more please?
Posted 22:45 17th June 2012
leinster_goy says...
@Norm
forgive me for 'butting in', as it were, but are you really best placed to take the moral high ground here? you berate sextons_on_fire, with justification, for attempting to bait munster fans and being a general troll. however, you openly admitted to trying to "bait" me in the past. you also called me a "west brit" on one occasion and, let's not forget, your setting up of a fake account in order to impersonate me and provoke other commenters against me - not your finest moment. i'm not trying to start another argument here, i'm just pointing out that you are not necessarily in the best position to criticise others for their conduct on PR. you would be better off just ignoring posters like sextons_on_fire and conversing with more sensible rugby fans like myself
a general comment (partly directed at the editor): while i don't condone the flippancy and childishness of commenters sextons_on_fire, he does raise one point that i do agree with. there are some despicable anti-Leinster posters on this forum who regularly attempt to bait members of the Blue Army. one example is liam2me, who often posts comments knocking players like Sexto, Heaslers, Gordo and Fadders, usually with no justification. recently, he made a comment suggesting that Leinster players aren't fully committed to playing for the national side - this didn't offend me particularly but is nevertheless a classic example of the bigotry he spouts. posters are given license to attack Leinster, which is seemingly acceptable, then sextons_on_fire has a pop at munster and people call for him to be banned. there are deplorable double standards here. this is a sorry state of affairs which reflects very badly on PR since they are ultimately responsible for what is published. banter and fun-poking is an integral aspect of this site but a line needs to be drawn regarding what is acceptable and what is not
Posted 21:22 17th June 2012
isthatrightref says...
@ kiwieire02... agreed, Thomson 8, Cane 7, McCaw 6 would've been a better configuration as Richie doesn't really push much at 8 - as @ Rosbif mentions he's got his head up looking to see which way to break which is OK if you're going forward or holding steady, not so much when going backwards or barely holding.
The bloke we're really missing up front is of course Thorne & with Williams now gone for 8 weeks or thereabouts we could be in for a tough 4N esp away to SA & Argentina: who'd want to be 21 & facing the 'boks on their turf with their supporters giving it to you big time... hopefully Retallick can step up - "cometh the hour cometh the man" & all that...
Posted 20:26 17th June 2012
Rosbif says...
@kiwieire02. hmmm interesting.... agree the irish (set) scrum began to get ascendancy as the game went on, for the reasons you mention, the subs, etc. in that respect, i never realised how important a player mike ross is for the irish. (or has woodcock lost a little of the mental edge after the poor early season of the blues?). i guess mccaw historically likes to have his head up as the oppo half back gets his hands on the ball. doesn't matter so much at 7. but at 8 it hurts your locks. i also got the impression he was keeping an eye on the short side D which is always a temptation when you're at 8. read does it too, but he's so quick off the base you hardly notice. and kaino doesn't miss many 1st up, so read and mccaw can drift open with confidence and line speed when kaino plays. who knows? as @isthatrightref mentioned, we're talking a few inches and a split second here and there. if you look at higginbotham for aus, his D is so good, and palu's acceleration so good (like read's) that it lets pocock focus entirely on what's happening if the ball goes open. and pocock does the rest brilliantly! plus genia's speed means he covers the hole behind the short side winger when the 15 is open, if it goes that way. maybe weepu doesn't have that same gas anymore? maybe mccaw knows that and it plays on his mind, especially with his 15 in the bin??
alternatively, looking at it from the irish perspective, maybe having the quicker hands of reddan and two distributors at 10 and 12 just put the frighteners on the AB back row. plus the constant threat of runners like SOB, Heaslip, Healy etc round the corner means you need to commit numbers at the breakdown or you're in for a long night!...and that contest takes it out of your legs eventually....
(sorry for the long post)
Posted 18:38 17th June 2012
Stag says...
@ruckingkiwi:played ar senior level for about 12 years. Retired recently after one injury too many. Came across a fair few of your countrymen during my time who were on their travels up here when there were jobs to be had... Most were overrated who kept a more talented local lad out of the side due to their kiwi accent and nothing else. Terrible guys to have a beer with aswell, always had an agenda and very slow to get a round in.
Posted 17:58 17th June 2012
melkdave says...
Well just seen the highlights as i couldnt watch it live ,that has to be the best irish performance in years .Lets hope its not a one off ,as seems the case in recent history IE one good game against England to deny them the slam ,and one good game at RWC ect.Couldnt failt any of the irish players for effort ect.I also hold my hands up as i along with most posters felt Ireland woudnt trouble the ABs at all this test,as they are renowned slow starters .Ireland really gave them a scare andi hope they can repeat it next weekend ,and even maybe nick a win
Posted 15:35 17th June 2012
agardiner22 says...
I have never seen Ireland turn around like that in a week in my life, very proud but we left it slip away.
Posted 14:49 17th June 2012
TominHongKong says...
@powerplay et al I think you should check the archives [ or are you PR's official archivist ?] that I never boasted about what Aussie might do in the WC just pointed out the natural, human dangers of overconfidence and arrogance, A view shared by 2Eyed Kiwi et al .The Kiwis as a class act would be even better if they learnt that. [ and one post mentioned the hostile reception of ABs fans by the Irish in 1991] check the Irish Independent article prior to the semi with Oz beginning " Where did they come from these men of stone ..? "
There is also a classic photo of Irish supporters jumping in the air to celebrate Campese's try in the semi against the ABs. And that was after Aussie sneaked a win against them in the quarters. You must ask why ?
Apologies Ed if I am getting off topic.
Perhaps we can discuss this in "The Stag" over a TsingTao or two if you are ever in HK. The "Sevens" is great.
Posted 13:55 17th June 2012
blametheref says...
@Ruckingkiwi
My reference to Christchurch as Wellington, don't know how I was typeing that constantly, thanks for the nudge on that faus pas.
That apart, the penalty against Ireland at the scrum was a very bad and wrong decision by Owens when NZ was screwed and going backwards with that scrum which then whipped quickly around because NZ couldn't cope with or hold it....Penalty Ireland, kickable one too, to win...What I can tell you is that Irish Coach, Kidney and most rugby journalists are in full agreement with me here, even New Zealand coach Steve Hansen verbally alluded to the fact the AB's were very fortunate to get the penalty according to Sunday Times journalist Peter O' Reilly, a leading rugby journalist known for his honesty, eveness with the facts and integrity...
I am not one for whinging about refs usually, but we have witnessed Irish teams being penalized by Owens and other refs year on year in the exact same situation as NZ found themselves in at that crucial scrum, where we were being driven backwards, scrum whips, match changing penalty against us. I feel a huge sense of injustice, as Owens' decision cost Ireland a match winning penalty and a crucial win they fully deserved. It is so frustrating as it seems to me that if the Irish scrum is going forwards or backwards (usually the case) now we still get match turning penalties against us. And I can tell you Ireland have lost quite a lot of matches at the death for being driven back in the scrum, in these cases we had no complaints because we knew we were being screwed by a better scrum and if we were annoyed we were annoyed we couldn't as a pack scrum better.
I don't care what anyone says regarding this situation, I'm not alone with neutrals in knowing Ireland were robbed, not by the resiliant NZ team, but by the ref.
Posted 13:32 17th June 2012
Jcahill1 says...
@ Ramage
The luck that the Irish are talking about is the scrum that went against us in the scrum about 5 minutes from the end. The Irish scrum was penalized for wheeling in what was very much a 50/50 call.
Posted 13:18 17th June 2012
kiwieire02 says...
@Rosbif and isthatrightref and anyone who wants a proper discussion about the game.
I thought the 2 packs were evenly matched until Read was taken off then Ireland had the (slight) edge which grew as the 2nd half went on and subs were made by both teams.
I think Adam Thomson should have been shifted to no.8 (Where he has played quite a bit for the Highlanders) and McCaw shifted to 6 for Kane(who had a good debut in a very tough match- plenty of potential there) or McCaw stayed at 7 and Ali Williams brought on and him or Sam Whitelock put at 6( both Williams and Whitelock have played before and not badly either). Either option with Thomson at 8 should have kept the All Black scrum solid and evenly matched which would have helped the All Blacks a lot in the 2nd half.
What are your thoughts on it? and on my idea? thanks
Posted 11:41 17th June 2012
Trinats2 says...
Gutted for BOD and Ireland, still one more test for BOD to break his duck.
Good win NZ. McCaw was great.
Posted 11:04 17th June 2012
Rosbif says...
@isthatrightref. Thanks mate. Just recovering from watching an Argentine 3rdXV beat my beloved France :-) You heard it here first...those Pumas are gonna break some hearts come the RC.... Graham Henry's got 25 of their first team players on a retreat in Florida. Apparently he was so impressed by Roncero, he's asked him to stay for one last swansong. Roncero vs Woodcock in a small converted football stadium with 50,000 argentine fans 10 yards from the pitch. Priceless!
Posted 10:28 17th June 2012