Ireland led 22-3 at half-time and withstood a second-half comeback; the day of deciders continues with Australia vs England (SS Action 10.15am), Springboks vs Wales (SS Action 3.30pm), Argentina vs Scotland (SS Action 7.30pm); all deciding Tests exclusively live on Sky
Last Updated: 16/07/22 10:40am
Ireland withstood an enormous second-half comeback from New Zealand to secure victory
Ireland beat the All Blacks 32-22 in the third Test to win a series in New Zealand for the first time in their history.
Andy Farrell’s side led 22-3 at half-time after first-half tries from Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw. Jordie Barrett kicked New Zealand’s only points.
The All Blacks dominated the start of the second half, including a sin-bin period for Andrew Porter, to bring it back to 25-22 with a quarter to play.
Rob Herring’s close-range try settled Irish nerves and Johnny Sexton’s conversion pressed their advantage back out to 32-22 with a little over 10 minutes to play.
From that point, Ireland controlled the closing stages of the contest and as the clock went red, the tears from Peter O’Mahony on the sidelines highlighted what it meant to them.
“It’s a very special day because we’re playing against the very best in the world. To come down here and do it is very, very special,” Sexton said.
“It’s clear how much belief we have, and it starts with the main man [Andy Farrell]. He’s done an amazing job and it’s all credit to him.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
For the third Test in a row, Ireland managed to get an early lead, this time through Josh van der Flier.
Ireland commenced the deciding Test in the best-possible fashion as their pack delivered a powerful rolling maul and Van der Flier dotted down after four minutes.
Sexton hooked the conversion attempt left of the uprights though, something his kicking counterpart Barrett would do seven minutes later off a penalty.
Barrett reset his radar just after the conclusion of the first quarter to open New Zealand’s account. However, with the weight of expectation on them, they remained nervous and ill-disciplined.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Hugo Keenan extended Ireland’s lead with this try.
Van der Flier was instrumental on the back foot too. His turnover burst a spot of Kiwi confidence and shortly after, speedsters James Lowe and Hugo Keenan launched down the left.
Lowe’s pop pass to Keenan was beautifully timed and Sexton’s boot added both the conversion and another penalty to march them further on.
Henshaw as the next man to cross for the visitors as they remained totally in control of the contest. Further points from his captain’s boots capped off a dream first half and as the tourists led 22-3 at the break.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Robbie Henshaw grabbed Ireland’s third try, as they went into half-time 19 points clear.
The Kiwi reaction Ireland had expected from the start came after the interval.
The home side were led by Ardie Savea, who did his utmost to win the decider on his own. Savea’s 44th-minute try got their scoreboard rolling for the hosts, with more to come shortly after.
When Porter was handed a yellow card for a head-on-head contact with Brodie Retallick, New Zealand capitalised on the extra man.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
New Zealand and Will Jordan took full advantage of Johnny Sexton hitting the crossbar
Akira Ioane and Will Jordan added further tries while Porter was off the park, countered by just one Sexton penalty and another bouncing agonisingly off the crossbar.
At 25-22 with a quarter to go, it looked as if New Zealand might complete the most remarkable comeback. Farrell’s men remained composed and once back to a full contingent, set about pressing their case further.
Like Ireland’s first try of the match, the forwards set a platform to work from, Rob Herring then broke off the maul at exactly the right time and produced a pinpoint one-handed grounding.
Sexton’s final conversion extended their lead back to 10 points with 15 minutes to play. From there, they remained composed and calm to get over the line and produce history in Wellington.
