TAKE
GUINNESS AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL
Chicago in 2016 is no longer alone in the annals as Joe Schmidt’s (left) Ireland sealed the deal at the Aviva Stadium against world champions New Zealand last night. The All Blacks staged the great escape here five years ago to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. They were fortunate then, but Ireland certainly earned their good luck this time and a first-ever win in Dublin over these giants of the game. The men in green out-fought and out-thought the side ranked one place above them at the top of the world rankings and their performance was encapsulated by the lion-hearted Peter O’mahony, who was simply collosal.
Jacob Stockdale showed real courage, too, having almost cost his side the game’s first try with a blocked-down chip to then, just minutes later, score the only try of a titanic contest off a similar move.
The game started with the All Blacks on the offensive but superb defence by Ireland, and Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander in particular, earned a crucial penalty in their 22.
It was an early momentum changer as their rattled opponents showed some real indiscipline throughout the first half.
The concession of a third penalty in quick succession resulted in Johnny Sexton kicking Ireland ahead in the 11th minute and a big hit by Toner, immediately backed up by his partner Ryan, forced Brodie Retallick to lose possession.
Stirring stuff but then a promising attacking position was squandered when Best lost the ball in the tackle – and Jack Goodhue’s kick-chase upfield forced Jacob Stockdale to concede a 17th minute penalty that Barrett fired over.
Liam Squires was lucky not to see yellow for a high tackle on Stander in midfield and, soon after, Stander was held up over the line after an effective driving maul orchestrated by Rory Best.
The pressure stayed on the All Blacks and, with a penalty advantage, Sexton’s chip deep in enemy territory evaded Goodhue and fell for Kearney – but he knocked on at the crucial moment.
Sexton split the posts anyway, but two minutes later Barrett restored parity with a drop goal struck with the knowledge that he had a penalty advantage anyway.
Ireland’s battering rams kept coming forward, led by James Ryan and Cian Healy, but couldn’t find a way through.
However the All Blacks were warned by ref Wayne Barnes and Sexton kicked the final penalty of the half to make it 9-6.
Five minutes after the restart, Stockdale was counting his lucky stars. Showing composure to gather a clearance, he tried a cheeky chip only to be blocked down by Kieran Read, but he then knocked on with a try on the cards.
That didn’t stop the 22-year-old, though, who then decided to chip Retallick – one of the tallest men on the pitch – before winning the race with Aaron