It wasn’t quite enough.
World player of the year Beauden Barrett put in a man of the match performance as Ireland succumbed to a 21-9 defeat to New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.
It was a bruising encounter, with Robbie Henshaw, Johnny Sexton and Simon Zebo all forced off through injury as New Zealand’s ‘win at all costs’ approach proved too much for Ireland to overcome.
Back-to-back victories were not to be, as Ireland’s inability to score a try proved costly.
“If you’re going to beat the All Blacks you’re going to have to score more than nine points. From our point of view it’s very disappointing,” said Ireland captain Rory Best afterwards.
I blame the referee #IREVNZL https://t.co/egZhZnxYY2
— Tara Cunningham (@TaraSCunningham) November 19, 2016
Never knew New Zealand were allowed to pass forward. No wonder they keep winning! #IrlVNZ
— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) November 19, 2016
Three converted tries beat three penalties which says it all. But ref/TMO had poor days that influenced things. NZ showed why World champs.
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) November 19, 2016
Well done to the All Blacks having beaten Ireland 9 points to 21 but this is a great indication of what's to come for Irish rugby #IREvNZL
— Eva Ní Shúilleabháin (@Evanis) November 19, 2016
Fair to say a few tired bodies at full time pic.twitter.com/Gzi56x5wSC
— Eoin McDevitt (@EoinMcDevitt) November 19, 2016
And this one sums the whole thing up…
Ireland have lived with and at times outplayed NZ in three straight Tests. Some brilliant young players in vdf, GR, CM, Hens, Furlong, CJ,SZ
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 19, 2016