Ireland v All Blacks: Six classic clashes

Michael Glennon Michael Glennon | 11-09 00:16

The latest installment of Ireland v New Zealand takes place this evening at Aviva Stadium as the sides meet for the 38th time.

Here we look back at six of the most memorable clashes in the last 11 years, a period in which the face of the rivalry changed dramatically.


2023 World Cup quarter-final: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

Ardie Savea scored New Zealand's second try

Ireland topped pool B after beating world champions South Africa and faced an All Blacks outfit that had lost to France in their group.

Andy Farrell's side had claimed a series win in New Zealand the previous summer and there was genuine expectation that Ireland could break their quarter-final hoodoo in Paris.

But Ireland were slow out of the blocks and allowed Ian Foster’s men race into a 13-0 lead by the 20th minute.

Kiwi natives Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park scored tries and a penalty try had Ireland within touching distance but the three-time World Cup winners kept themselves ahead throughout.

Rónan Kelleher got over the line late on but an incredible defensive play by Jordie Barrett prevented a try and Irish hearts were broken when New Zealand won a penalty inside their own 22 after a 36-phase move in overtime.

The wait for a semi-final goes on.

2016 Test: Ireland 40-29 New Zealand

Johnny Sexton and Simon Zebo celebrate Ireland's fourth try

A game that took place soon after the death of Anthony 'Axel’ Foley was filled with passion and drama as Ireland claimed a first ever victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying over 28 Tests.

It was fast and furious in Chicago's Soldier Field with New Zealand, on an 18-game winning run, opening the try-scoring after just five minutes.

However, Ireland soon took the lead after Jordi Murphy and CJ Stander rumbled over the line, while Conor Murray sniped from a ruck and Johnny Sexton kicked 10 points.

It established a 25-8 lead at half-time and Simon Zebo’s touchdown extended the advantage after the break.

The inevitable Blacks backlash arrived, and they hit back with three tries in a 12-minute spell. With five minutes to play, Ireland led 33-29 and Robbie Henshaw crashed over to seal the victory and spark delirious celebrations among the vast Irish support.

The win ushered in a new era of Ireland-New Zealand rivalry where the sides have shared eight subsequent meetings equally.

2013 November Test: Ireland 22-24 New Zealand

Joe Schmidt had just taken over after Ireland’s fifth-place finish in the Six Nations brought Declan Kidney’s tenure to an end, while the previous summer’s series in New Zealand had resulted in an aggregate score of 124-29, including a 60-0 demolition job in the third Test.

But Ireland were irresistible in a magical opening quarter: Murray, Rory Best and Rob Kearney all scored tries and Ireland held a 22-7 lead at the break.

Steve Hansen’s side were not to be denied as they defended an unbeaten run in the calendar year.

Ben Franks’ converted try with 15 minutes to play had the visitors within five points but Sexton missed a straightforward penalty to extend the lead and gave the All Blacks hope.

Still, with 30 seconds left Ireland had possession inside the opposition half but couldn’t hold on. New Zealand went through multiple phases before Ryan Crotty scored in the corner, a retaken conversion enough for a two-point win and a boisterous Aviva Stadium crowd were stunned.

Stalwarts Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Paul O’Connell would end their careers without a win over the All Blacks.

2022 Summer Test: New Zealand 22-32 Ireland

Ireland had claimed their first ever win, 22-12, on New Zealand soil the week before to level up the series heading into the decider in Wellington.

Once again, Andy Farrell’s side got off to a fast start with Josh van der Flier touching down before Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw added further first-half tries.

Two conversions and a penalty from Johnny Sexton handed Ireland a 22-3 half-time lead.

Facing a first home series loss since 1994, the All Blacks fought back and Ardie Savea, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan all scored tries to reduce the deficit to just three points with 18 minutes to play.

A Rob Herring try, converted by Sexton pushed the lead out to ten but Ireland still had 14 minutes to hold out.

Tadhg Beirne, twice, and Joey Carbery came up with three massive defensive plays to move Ireland upfield and the visitors finished the game in All Blacks territory, allowing the replacements, including a tearful Peter O’Mahony, to enjoy the final moments without any concern.

2016 November Test: Ireland 9-21 New Zealand

Fresh off the back of a first-ever defeat to Ireland, New Zealand came to Dublin looking for blood, literally.

Malakai Fekitoa scored a try within three minutes and Beauden Barrett raced over for another 12 minutes later.

All Ireland, despite having chances, could offer was penalties from Johnny Sexton and Paddy Jackson.

Fekitoa and Aaron Smith were both sent to the sin-bin, while Sam Cane somehow escaped sanction for a high shot on Robbie Henshaw.

Ireland were shook by the physicality of the visitors to Aviva Stadium and although Jackson added a third penalty, Fekitoa's second sealed the result.

2018 November Test: Ireland 16-9 New Zealand

Meeting for the first time since the revenge match in Dublin two years previous, Ireland recorded their first ever win on home soil against New Zealand.

It may have been low scoring but it was high-octane stuff with Ireland’s scrum dominating.

Sexton scored three first-half penalties, while Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty and a dropgoal.

Jacob Stockdale chipped and chased for the only try of the game at the start of the second half, while Peter O’Mahony appeared from nowhere to deny a certain try late on.

Barrett added a long-range penalty as the All Blacks got to within seven points but Ireland held out for a famous win.

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