Ireland have beaten the All Blacks 32-22 in Wellington on Saturday night to win the Steinlager Series, and hand the home side it's first series defeat since the French in 1994.
The All Blacks conceded a 22-3 lead to the Irish at halftime after another error riddled opening 40 minutes, with first half tries to flanker Josh Van der Flier, fullback Hugo Keenan and centre Robbie Henshaw. The All Blacks struck back early in the second half with a try to Ardie Savea, and had a second to Akira Ioane after the Irish were reduced to 14 men seeing the score tightened to 17-22. The Irish hit back with a penalty to Sexton, before the All Blacks again scored through wing Will Jordan. The Irish then finished out he match with a try to Rob Herring.
In another example of inconsistent refereeing, Irish prop Andrew Holden was yellow carded for a head clash with Brodie Retallick which saw him leave the field with a broken cheek bone. Last week in similar circumstances replacement prop Angus Ta'avao was red carded leaving the All Blacks to play with 14 men for the remainder of the match after also having several players yellow carded. Irish midfielder Bundee Aki was also lucky to escape punishment with referee Wayne Barnes missing a head clash in a ruck cleanout seeing prop Ofa Tuungafasi’s leave the field for a HIA and not return. All Black coach Ian Foster admitted in a post match press conference it was another "card lottery" with the potential match outcome defined by players leaving or staying on the field.
The All Blacks attention now turns to the Rugby Championship with it's first match in South Africa on 7th August.
Ireland: 32
Tries: Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring, Conversions: Johnny Sexton 3, Penalties: Sexton 2
New Zealand: 22
Tries: Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane, Will Jordan, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 2, Penalty: Jordie Barrett
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