It was a rare sight in Irish rugby. New Zealand players jumping for joy as they held off a brilliant Irish comeback to edge a narrow win today in Vannes.
After victories over Australia and Fiji, the clash with the Baby Blacks – nothing babyish about these lads mind you – this was a top of the table encounter with few giving Mike Ruddock’s side a chance. Well the boys in green didn’t read the script.
Ireland took the lead with a penalty and despite conceding a try on the half-hour mark, showed great resilience when centre Thomas Farrell ran in from 50 metres to level matters.
Ireland will rue the opening ten minutes of the second period, when their much vaunted opponents capitalised on Ireland down to 14 men to run in two quick tries to leave the score 31-16.
The pre-tournament favourites may have expected to coast home to victory, but they were pushed to the pin of their collars and made to earn their victory the hard way.
Luke McGrath showed plenty of determination close to the Kiwi line when he dived low and stretched out, touching down despite the close attentions of three opponents, with Rory Scannell slotting over to make it 31-23.
Thomas Farrell touches down after his solo run
Scannell added another penalty to reduce the gap to five and with New Zealand themselves reduced to 14, Ireland dominated possession in the final stages but just could not make the crucial break-through.
It was a heroic performance, something we have come to expect at this level in recent years and the sight of the men in black jumping around at the final whistle tells you everything you need to know about this game.
With the nature of the format of the tournament, it looks likely that Ireland have played their final game, unless France upset South Africa this evening and win by eight or more points. A tall order from what we have seen of the French so far.
Congratulations all round on a great Irish performance.
