A stunning second-half performance saw Ireland make yet more history in Dublin, overcoming New Zealand 29-20 to secure successive home victories against the visitors.
Ireland had won two of their last four Tests against the No.1-ranked side in the world, including their memorable first triumph over the All Blacks on home soil in 2018.
And Andy Farrell’s men came out of the gate like a team possessed, leading for much for the first half thanks to a beautifully worked try from Kiwi-born James Lowe on 15 minutes.
New Zealand responded with a Jordie Barrett penalty and a try from Codie Taylor just moments after the latter returned from the sin-bin to take a 10-5 lead into the interval.
Tries from Ronan Kelleher and Caelan Doris after the break put Ireland back in front, only for New Zealand to remain in touch thanks to a Will Jordan score and Jordie Barrett’s boot.
But three penalties from Joey Carbery ensured Ireland had breathing space as they saw out the closing minutes to create history again with back-to-back home wins over the All Blacks.
ALL BLACKS EDGE AHEAD AT BREAK
Three years on almost to the day from that famous success over New Zealand in Dublin, Ireland found themselves on the end of another intimidating Haka at the Aviva Stadium.
The Irish support responded with a rousing rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for the enthralling contest to come as the fired-up hosts enjoyed a flying start.
Ireland dominated the early possession as Andrew Conway picked up where he left off from his try-scoring double against Japan, making a great tackle and an early break.
A series of scrums then saw both sides attempt to lay down a marker before the All Blacks had their first spell in the Ireland 22 after the hosts were pinged for tackling Jordie Barrett in the air.
From the resulting lineout, Beauden Barrett executed a perfect crossfield kick to the prolific Jordan but the winger was brought down just short of the line.
The ball was subsequently recycled to Jordie Barrett who also came within a whisker of going over before Kelleher came to his side’s rescue by turning over possession.
Momentum swung again on 12 minutes. A high tackle from Taylor on Johnny Sexton resulted in a yellow card for the hooker, handing Ireland a chance they grasped with clinical efficiency.
Opting to go for the corner, Sexton’s decision paid of in spectacular style as Ireland fizzed the ball wide to Lowe to dot down the opening try before Jordie Barrett could bundle him into touch.
It took New Zealand only four minutes to reply, with Jordie Barrett slotting a penalty on 19 minutes after Iain Henderson – who had come into the side for Tadhg Beirne – was pinged at the breakdown.
As the half-hour approached, another penalty allowed Sexton to give his side attacking territory again but this time New Zealand were able to shut out their hosts.
It looked as though Tadhg Furlong had found a way through moments later, yet his score was ultimately ruled out after Kelleher was adjudged to have made a double movement in the build-up.
The All Blacks delivered another blow to Ireland almost immediately, going down the other end and pulling off a perfect lineout move to allow Taylor – fresh from the sin-bin – to run through to score.
Jordie Barrett converted and suddenly Ireland found themselves trailing for the first time, with the score remaining 10-5 to the visitors at the break despite Ireland’s best efforts.
IRELAND MAKE SECOND-HALF STATEMENT
Ireland started the second half in a similar fashion to how they started the match and after kicking to the corner, Kelleher levelled the scores with the home side’s second try on 43 minutes.
While Sexton was unable to convert, Ireland pounced again seven minutes later after a superb kick from the Ireland skipper pinned New Zealand back in their own 22.
From the lineout, Bundee Aki crashed into the black shirts before Doris came round the corner and found a gap, stepping Taylor and running in unopposed for Ireland’s third try.
Sexton converted this time to extend his side’s lead to 17-10 and he added another three points as the hour approached to put the hosts more than a converted try ahead.
Sevu Reece thought he had hit back almost straight away as he chased down a clever TJ Perenara kick with Jamison Gibson-Park in attendance but the try was ruled out for a knock on.
The try did eventually come a few minutes later as brilliant interplay between David Havili and Jordan resulted in the latter racing through for the try, with the extras added.
Ireland took the sting out of that score with a penalty from Carbery, on as a HIA replacement for Sexton, but New Zealand refused to go away and soon crossed the whitewash again.
Replacement Akria Ioane was put through by brother Rieko Ioane after the visitors forced their way into the Irish 22, yet the pass was called as forward by the TMO on review.
Nevertheless, Jordie Barrett landed another penalty soon after to cut the gap to three points before Carbery nailed a brilliant response from the halfway line which just inched over to the deafening roars of the Aviva Stadium.
And Beirne ensured there would be no late heartbreak for the hosts, winning a penalty in the final minute which Carbery slotted once again as Ireland completed their third win in five Tests against the All Blacks.
