Returning to the scene where Ireland defeated the All Blacks for the first time in 111 years of trying, a slobberknocker of a game was on the cards at Soldier Field in Chicago. In front of a capacity crowd of 62000, the All Blacks ran out victors 26-13 to reverse the stain of defeat from nearly a decade ago.

After seven minutes of a tight, scrappy affair, Ireland were first to trouble the scoreboard when Jack Crowley slotted a penalty despite All Black territory dominance.

Ireland were dealt a massive blow when Tadgh Beirne had his initial third-minute sin-bin upgraded to a 20-minute red card following a bunker review. The incident saw a clash with Beauden Barrett, where Beirne was adjudged to have performed a high tackle. 

Despite being a man down, Ireland showed great resilience in defense, even making inroads in the New Zealand half. When they won a penalty, the Irish fans offered an emphatic roar of approval. Ireland’s going for touch instead of three points was a sure-fire sign of intent.

From the subsequent play, Ireland carried the ball with immense strength –  running onto each pass with forward momentum – before Tadhg Furlong dived across the line for a fine try against all odds. With the conversion slotted, it was Ireland who increased their unlikely lead.

Leicester Fainga’anuku was the catalyst of an immediate fightback as he created some space, popped off to Will Jordan, who slalomed his way through the Irish defense and would’ve gone all the way had it not been for a desperate tackle by Josh Van Der Flier. From the subsequent recycle, though, Ardie Savea touched down in the far corner to add intensity to an already fiery encounter.  

For Ireland, Iain Henderson replaced Beirne following his 20-minute red card.

The remainder of the first half was a battle of attrition as both sides battered one another with a level of physicality that saw neither side wanting to relent.

HALF TIME – IRELAND 10-7 NEW ZEALAND

Jack Crowley missed an opportunity to extend Ireland’s lead in the 47th minute as he missed a penalty from roughly 40 meters out.

He made amends four minutes later, though, with an easier kick to increase the lead by six, 13-7.

The 57th minute saw the introduction of New Zealand-born Bundee Aki to rapturous applause.

Following a penalty awarded to the All Blacks, after Barrett had a nasty whiplash despite a legal tackle, a quick tap resulted in Tamaiti Williams picking up the five points for the try. The subsequent conversion was slotted, giving New Zealand the lead for the first time in the game. 

The tide firmly turned in the All Blacks’ favor when Barrett showed a moment of ingenuity by evading a couple of tackles before playing in Damian McKenzie, who played inside to a more central Wallace Sititi – the try creating wild hysteria.

Ireland had its back firmly against the wall, trailing 21-13 with the All Blacks now in control – the game flipping on its head in a matter of six minutes.

Cam Roigard sealed the resurgence and the All Blacks’ turnaround, scoring with three minutes to spare.

During the final quarter of the game, it felt like the Irish were well and truly second best – hanging on while New Zealand found another gear. The battle scars brought about during this clash of titans, too much for Ireland to endure until they eventually succumbed. A statement victory for New Zealand as they got off to an amazing start to their end-of-year tour.

Article by Riaz Hamed