Four years ago today, Ireland claim historic win over New Zealand
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Four years ago, Ireland ended a 29 game and 111-year duck as they finally claimed a men's senior international win over New Zealand.
The Joe Schmidt coached side joined the Ireland Women (2014) and Ireland Under-20s (2016) in the history books with a fantastic five-try performance against the then reigning Rugby World champions in Chicago. Robbie Henshaw's 76th-minute try was the final nail in the All Blacks' coffin as Ireland opened up a 30-8 lead before the Steve Hansen's All Blacks staged a stirring comeback.
Ireland's victory ended the All Blacks' 18 game unbeaten run despite converted tries from TJ Perenara, Ben Smith and debutant Scott Barrett in a furiously competitive second half at Soldier Field.
New Zealand started very brightly with George Moala scoring a try after just 5 minutes before Joe Moody was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Robbie Henshaw in the 8th minute. After this Ireland really kicked into gear scoring three tries before half time, one for Jordi Murphy, one for CJ Stander and one for Conor Murray.
Ireland started as they left off in the second half with Zebo scoring a fantastic try in the corner after 8 minutes of play before the All Blacks began to show why they're the best team in world rugby scoring two fantastic tries in under 5 minutes.
They went on to score another try as Scott Barrett crashed over the whitewash and it looked like Ireland were really in trouble. However, the incredibly brave Irish team dug in, defended strongly and even managed to score a fifth try as Henshaw crossed the line in the 76th minute with debutant Joey Carbery converting securing this historic victory for the Irish in his first international appearance.
What a day for Irish rugby and for Ireland as a whole.
