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Ireland make ‘unreal’ SVNS history with first-ever win over New Zealand
On a famed July afternoon at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2016, a legendary group of Ireland rugby players etched their names into history as they defeated the All Blacks for the first time in history.
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That unforgettable Test match at the home of the Chicago Bears will live on forever as a momentous occasion for Irish rugby, with that victory proving to be a catalyst for an era of success.
Much like those rugby heroes in green who took the field seven years ago, another Ireland side has brought an end to a winless drought against New Zealand at the Cape Town SVNS.
History for our @Ireland7s Men in Cape Town as they beat New Zealand in the @SVNSSeries for the first time to book their spot in the last four! 🟢#Ireland7s https://t.co/CUFycjb7B1
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 10, 2023
Led by hat-trick hero Terry Kennedy, the Ireland sevens ran away with a commanding 36-21 win at the Western Cape venue as they beat the All Blacks Sevens for the first time in history.
“It’s unreal. It’s our first time actually beating New Zealand so it was a bit of a monkey off our back getting that done and to do it in that style was amazing in front of that crowd,” Kennedy told RugbyPass.
“It was something we’ve spoken about for a while so it was unbelievable to do so.
“They’re the only team we hadn’t (beaten) a few times we came very close.
“I’m not sure if they knew that but it’s something that we’ve known for a long time so anytime we got the chance to play them we’re really looking to get that done and thankfully we finally did.”
Ireland shot out of the blocks at the Cape Town Stadium with Kennedy crossing for the first of his three tries in just the first minute.
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Kennedy added another two tries to the score and Zac Ward crossed for a brace before New Zealand even registered a point on a sweltering Sunday morning.
Tepaea Cook Savage, Cody Vai and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black scored second-half tries for the All Blacks Sevens, which made the game look even closer than what it was.
Don’t put it down to the luck of the Irish, either. Ireland were relentless in their pursuit of victory, with their precise execution in defence laying the platform for a perfect attacking outing.
“To be fair I think it was more about our defence, especially in that first half… we worked so hard in D to get those turnovers and eventually get through,” Kennedy said.
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“Unbelievable squad effort there.
“It’s crucial. We spoke about it before the game, not letting them score first,” he added.
“It’s massive because once they get their tails up they’re a brilliant attacking team and they’re very hard to stop.
“We knew we’d have to put a bit of scoreboard pressure on them and then hopefully they’ll start to make mistakes and we can capitalise on them.”
Ireland has emerged as the team to beat at the Cape Town SVNS after beating hosts South Africa in the final match on day one, and backing that up with that performance against the reigning world champions.
Two successful conversions from Hugo Lennon proved to be the difference as Ireland hung on for a hard-fought 14-12 win which saw them top Pool A.
“Topping our group and then getting New Zealand in the quarter, it’s funny how this comp is working.
“To get it done is unreal. We had to back up last night’s performance, late enough and then to get up early this morning and do it again was brilliant.
“It gave us a huge amount (of confidence). South Africa are coming off a huge win in Dubai and for us to get one over on them in front of their home crowd, it meant a lot to us.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Ireland. The Princess Diana of Rugby. I never cheered so much for a team as i did for the All Blacks in that QF.
45 Go to commentsWill be great to see the Leinster first XV back in action again after their cotton wool time…
1 Go to commentsLooked up Grant Constable on google and reply was doppelgänger for Ben Smith
45 Go to commentsIt is so good that we now all get excited and debate who is best and emotionally get involved. We all back our teams which is great. Up until about 15-20 years ago, NZ was basically on its own, and then Saffa, Aussie and sometimes French and English were there. We now have at least 5-6 really top sides and another 4 who keep improving. This is so healthy. So we should not resort to rubbish comments and unhealthy debate, but rather all be chuffed that the product we watch is not competitive, exciting and often uncertain. It would be so good if World Rugger could find a way to align the rules to professional players as well as spectators. Live rugby games are SO boring as there is SO much down time as we wait for refs and TMOs and whoever else to look at every small event going back endless phases with the hope of eventually find a minute infringement to then decide cancel what was a wonderful try. This is the ultimate cork back in the bottle moment and feels like every balloon is always being popped. Come on- we must be better with the rules.
45 Go to comments“upon leaving said establishment I tripped over a stool knocking some bottles into the air and as I fell I accidently dislodged a police officer’s teaser who was passing by on an unrelated matter there by landing on said taser which caused it to discharge 50,000 watts into me. Out of shock I shouted Ireland are going to win the world cup. Upon waking up I apologised for the distress caused by my Ireland comment. The matter is closed. If you wish to pursue this matter may I remind you what I told Wayne Barnes when he sent me off. I AM A BIG ASS MAN”. Or was it “I AM A BIG ASS, MAN” or was it “I AM A BIG ASSMAN”?
1 Go to commentsThe only championship the Boks hold are: Great value for the incompetence of referees during the RWC Moaning endlessly and champions of spewing utterly ignorant 💩 at all times. Displaying the dangers of a third world education End of.
45 Go to commentsSouth Africa and Rassie do a phenomenal job of treating the 4 years in between World Cups as nothing more than a training exercise to build squad depth. The Six Nations money that keeps Irish rugby afloat is unfortunately too important to allow the same approach, and basic population size means we'll never get close to matching the depth of South Africa, England and France. That being said, Irish rugby is in a relatively good place and slowly improving inch by inch. If the other three provinces can pull the finger out and actually develop some players it'd be even better.
45 Go to commentsGood on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
45 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to commentsThe Irish are tired and the Boks are old. The test series won't confirm who is best in the world, it will confirm which team needs to pursue the task of rebuilding with the most urgency.
45 Go to commentsGrant, the first time I have seen an article written by you. Maybe I have missed your previous stuff. These days all professional players effectively play a common season so all top players are equally tired, or rested. That is the job of the coaching ticket to build squad depth and juggle resources so players are ‘ fresh’ when the big games come. Possibly Ireland are less inclined to juggle squad compared to Rassie, who is prepared to take the risk to rest players as well as build depth throughout the year so come WC he has a full squad, experienced and rested enough to win 7 games. After all, to win WC you need to get through the tournament and then win the final big 3 games. Ireland should try and build a bit so come final 3 they are ready. So far only played final 1(QF). I am so looking forward to the Irish tour. Hopefully Rassie has enough time to align his guys, as he draws them from across the globe, and not from 2 sides locally( eg Leinster, Munster). No excuses, going to be exciting.
45 Go to commentsIn football, teams get fined and sometimes docked points for deliberately fielding weakened teams yet Leinster can pretty much do as they please with no comebacks. Could it be because Ireland run the URC? Could it be that Ireland run the ERC? Whichever it is, it stinks!!
6 Go to commentsIreland are only the People’s Champions in Irish eyes. The rest of the world do not care for them very much because of attitudes of people like Gordon, Ferris, Best, Jackman…I could go on!!
45 Go to commentsNot sure how Karl Dickson can ever ref a Quins game, he played for the club for 8 years as understudy to Care and is still close friends with half the team
3 Go to commentsAre bookies taking bets on how many times Vunipola's eventual statement will use the term “elders"? My money is on at least 4 times.
4 Go to commentsSo Ireland will be tired, despite having the most rested test squad in the world. They only play tests, champions cup and urc play off games ffs! Case in point; Leinster sent a B squad to SA for their last two games while their first xv rested up and trained at their leisure for the sf vs Saints at the so called ‘neutral venue’ of Croke Park. So tired? Do me a favour… And as for “people’s champions”? Seriously??? Outside of Ireland they are respected for their ability to win 6N. And of course plenty of inconsequential test friendlies without any real pressure. WC ko games when the pressure is white hot? Not so much…
45 Go to commentsSurprising how standing down or benching a player can do wonders for their motivation. Several players this week in that category.
2 Go to commentsHaha lads lads lads, that’s how you have a holiday In Majorca
4 Go to commentshit on Lynagh was defo late and card-worthy. The other 2 are bang on OK. Hurts you at Test level if youre timing is off and the nostrils are flared. Jerry C knew when to lean in on one, Finau just needs to keep his discipline and head straight.
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