Ireland 10 – 10 New Zealand, 1973
On January 20th 1973, Ireland made a little bit of history. In their sixth ever meeting with New Zealand, they finally avoided defeat, pulling off a 10 – 10 draw against the All Blacks at Landsdowne Road.
Former Lion Tom Grace was Ireland’s try hero that day, chipping the ball ahead and winning the race for the line. Ireland could even have won but Barry McGann’s conversion did not make it onto the scoreboard. It remains the closest Ireland have come to toppling the All Blacks.
New Zealand 24 – 21 Ireland, 1992
Paul McCarthy of Ireland is tackled ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The All Blacks started out as favourites when they welcomed Ireland to Dunedin in 1992. But Ireland came out fighting and centre Vinnie Cunningham gave them an early lead.
Jim Staples added another Irish try to leave New Zealand in serious trouble. But the All Blacks hit back and despite another Cunningham try, New Zealand held on for a narrow three point lead – the closest Ireland would come for 20 years. A week later New Zealand would beat Ireland 59 – 6 after this wake-up call.
Ireland 29 – 40 New Zealand, 2001
This game at Landsdowne Road was more significant than just for the scoreline. It marked the New Zealand test debut of legend and current captain Richie McCaw. The then-20-year-old was awarded Man of the Match.
It was a spirited effort from Ireland who led 16 – 7 at half-time. Former Ulster great David Humphreys scored 14 points (1 conversion, 2 penalties and 2 drop goals) but it ultimately was not enough as Ireland were reined in by the end.
The turning point came when McCaw won the ball from Ireland and started a move which finished with a Jonah Lomu try. All Blacks fly-half Andrew Mehrtens scored 33 points which set an individual points record in this fixture.
New Zealand 34 – 23 Ireland, 2006
Andrew Trimble congratulated by Shane Horgan and Neil Best after he scores ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Again Ireland came close to downing the All Blacks, coming within nine minutes of victory.
Despite conceding an early try, Ireland went into half-time with a 16 – 8 lead partly thanks to a Brian O’Driscoll try.
Ulster’s Andrew Trimble crossed for a try to give Ireland a 23 – 15 advantage going into the final quarter. But Ireland let the lead slip as late penalties and a Troy Flavell try gave the All Blacks yet another win over the Irish.
New Zealand 22 – 19 Ireland, 2012
The All Blacks’ hoodoo over Ireland continued but it took a last gasp Dan Carter drop goal to beat the Irish.
Like so many previous matches against New Zealand, Ireland led at half-time in Christchurch after a Conor Murray try and penalties from Jonny Sexton.
But a New Zealand try after the break nudged the All Blacks in front but a Sexton penalty with 11 minutes left tied the scores at 19 – 19.
With New Zealand down to 14 men it looked as if Ireland would go on and make history. But Carter’s drop goal broke Irish hearts yet again.
Main Image: Paul O'Connell dives in for a try in the second test in 2006 ©INPHO/Photosport/Michael Bradley
