Traditionally, the Irish have by no means carried out effectively in opposition to the All Blacks, both house or away. In actual fact, the Irish misplaced a staggering 27 of their first 28 conferences, with the opposite encounter ending in a 10-10 draw at Lansdowne Street in 1973.
Apparently, Eire’s first win in opposition to New Zealand didn’t happen till November 5th 2016, after they defeated the All Blacks 40-29 in Chicago.
Since then, nonetheless, Eire have received 5 of their final eight encounters with the world’s most well-known and feared facet, with this spectacular run of type culminating in an outstanding collection of shows throughout the nation’s winter tour of New Zealand final yr.
Truly, Eire made historical past throughout their check collection in opposition to New Zealand. Enjoying three exams in opposition to New Zealand and successful two matches in opposition to the All Blacks, Eire grew to become the fifth touring facet to rejoice a collection win in New Zealand – the primary to attain this feat since France in 1994.
The opposite 4 groups which have beforehand held this accolade are South Africa (1937), Australia (1949 and once more in 1986), and the British & Irish Lions (1971), highlighting the uncommon and exalted firm that this Irish facet now shares.
A collection of beautiful victories – How the tour infolded
This check collection marked Eire’s first tour to New Zealand in 10 years and the crew definitely didn’t disappoint, with the Irish facet securing three comfy wins throughout two and a half weeks.
Eire’s first check in opposition to New Zealand noticed the crew lose in a 42-19 defeat at Eden Park, Auckland, however the perfect was but to return. The Irish facet claimed victory within the second check, scoring a successful 23-12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Within the third and ultimate check in opposition to New Zealand, Eire secured a second win with a 32-22 success at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
The decisive match in Wellington offered a becoming finish to an exciting and keenly-contested collection, because the Andy Farrell’s well-drilled facet romped into 19-point lead on the break. This was due to an outstanding show of poise and precision, throughout which Josh Van Der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw all crossed the road for tries.
Nonetheless, the indefatigable All Blacks roared black within the second half, producing a breathless efficiency that delivered scores from Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane and Will Jordan.
This purchased the All Blacks withing three factors of their fearless rivals, earlier than an additional attempt by Rob Herring noticed the Irish house.
The Irish facet was defeated of their first match in opposition to the All Blacks, with a 32-17 loss at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton. Nonetheless, the crew got here again triumphant of their second fixture and claimed a 30-24 win at Sky Stadium, furthering an impressive run of type and stage of efficiency that augurs effectively for the Irish forward of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
And a collection of firsts – Breaking Down Eire’s Achievements
Along with being the primary crew to rejoice a collection win in New Zealand for nearly 30 years, the 2022 check matches additionally made historical past – and dominated the headlines according to Rugby365.com – for the Irish crew.
For instance, the second check marked Eire’s first ever away win in New Zealand – an accomplishment the inexperienced crew did not make for over 4 a long time, for the reason that Irish facet first performed New Zealand in 1976.
Then, simply three days afterward 12 July, Eire received their second match in opposition to the All Blacks. This was Eire’s first victory over the All Blacks away from house, making this fixture one other one for the historical past books.
Lastly, 4 days afterward 16 July, Eire cemented their place within the rugby corridor of fame after they triumphed over New Zealand in their third test. By doing so, the Irish facet secured two spectacular firsts: successful back-to-back matches in opposition to New Zealand and rising to primary within the World Rugby Rankings for the primary time in three years.
The latter achievement couldn’t have been higher timed, notably with the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France now lower than 18 months away.
For New Zealand, nonetheless, their defeats additionally marked two momentous shifts: the primary time New Zealand had been defeated in a house check collection since 1994 and the primary time New Zealand misplaced back-to-back house exams.
This can increase considerations forward of the following RWC, with the All Blacks thought of to be one of many favourites and hotly tipped to win their fourth world crown.
The Final Phrase – Can Eire Win the World Cup in 2023?
With the autumn and winter tour of 2022 now behind us, many ideas have switched to the 2023 Six Nations Championship and the tenth iteration of the Rugby World Cup.
By way of the latter, Eire stays joint third-favourites with Eddie Jones’ England facet to win the Webb-Ellis trophy, regardless of the immense efficiency of Andy Farrell’s males in New Zealand and the truth that the Three Lions are within the midst of a big transition interval.
Regardless of the occasions of the autumn, New Zealand have remained the second favourites to win a fourth World Cup in France, with many pointing to the depth of their immensely gifted squad and the extent of expertise that exists inside.
After all, we must always keep in mind that the All Blacks have additionally injected some contemporary blood into the taking part in squad of late, whereas the sheer aura of New Zealand and their pedigree on the worldwide stage implies that they’ll positively be one of many sides to beat.
Unsurprisingly, 2022 Six Nations winners and 2023 RWC hosts France are the clear favourites to assert their first world crown subsequent yr. In spite of everything, the squad is arguably peaking and stays packed filled with expertise, whereas legendary scrum half Antoine Dupont is probably unrivalled as the perfect participant on the earth.
Whereas a World Cup win in 2023 could in the end show to be past Eire, the facet is well-placed to mount a way more aggressive assault on the Six Nations subsequent spring.
Keep in mind, the Irish are all the time aggressive in opposition to France and their domestic rivals, whereas they’re arguably the perfect and most skilled competing facet outdoors of the more and more dominant Les Blues.
Profitable the Six Nations would additionally set the nation up beautifully forward of the World Cup, whereas serving to to whet the urge for food of followers forward of a really international sporting occasion!
