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Five bold possible debutants for the All Blacks in 2026
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Social: 'For once the All Blacks were actually punished for their indiscipline'
By Kim Ekin
Ireland held on for a historic first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, triumphing 23-12 in their second Test in Dunedin.
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Andrew Porter twice powered over to help the impressive Irish to a deserved 23-12 victory over the indisciplined All Blacks.
Captain Johnny Sexton – passed fit to play following concussion concerns – added 13 points as Andy Farrell’s side set up a tantalising third and final Test in Wellington thanks to a landmark result.
New Zealand cruised to a 42-19 success in Auckland last weekend but their quest to clinch series glory at the first opportunity was undermined by repeated infringements.
Replacement prop Angus Ta’avao was sent off for ploughing into the head of Garry Ringrose at the end of a chaotic 15-minute first-half spell during which team-mates Leicester Fainga’anuku and Ofa Tu’ungafasi were sin-binned.
Referee Jaco Peyper was at the heart of the gripping action and could arguably have punished the ragged hosts more severely.
Beauden Barrett’s improvised score and a late Will Jordan try gave the depleted Kiwis hope but they proved powerless to prevent a first home defeat to their opponents having won the previous 12 meetings.
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Social media was split between fans who rejoiced in the upset and others, mainly New Zealanders, who were sore at the refereeing of the contest.
“Monumental shift from Ireland to get their first ever victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand! Heroes all of them!,” wrote Andy Goode.
Monumental shift from Ireland to get their first ever victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand! Heroes all of them! #NZLvIRE
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) July 9, 2022
“Peter O’Mahony is all about aggression, but he laces his relentless snarl with some lovely flourishes of class,” wrote commentator and RugbyPass writer Jamie Lyall. “A 50-22, with the outside of the boot, against the All Blacks. The man is a totem.”
Peter O'Mahony is all about aggression, but he laces his relentless snarl with some lovely flourishes of class. A 50-22, with the outside of the boot, against the All Blacks. The man is a totem.
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) July 9, 2022
Irish journalist Gavin Reilly wrote: ““Some are saying it’s the most bizarre game of rugby they’ve ever watched…” …why? Because for once the All Blacks were actually punished for their indiscipline?”
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“Some are saying it’s the most bizarre game of rugby they’ve ever watched…”
…why? Because for once the All Blacks were actually punished for their indiscipline?
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) July 9, 2022
“Ireland’s historic win was exceptional,” wrote South African reporter Brendan Nel. “All Blacks looked nowhere on that field. Weren’t allowed space and time on the ball, Irish defence smothered them. Well done. Are the cracks in NZ showing?”
Ireland's historic win was exceptional. All Blacks looked nowhere on that field. Weren't allowed space and time on the ball, Irish defence smothered them.
Well done. Are the cracks in NZ showing?— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) July 9, 2022
Losing count of the amount of times Peter O'Mahony has produced the game of life this season. A sensational big game player.
— Ciarán Kennedy (@CiaranKennedy_) July 9, 2022
2016 Ireland beat All Blacks for first time (Chicago)
2018 Ireland beat All Blacks for first time at home
2022 Ireland beat All Blacks for first time in New Zealand.Historic day.
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) July 9, 2022
Others were pointing fingers at All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, who is under pressure once again after a short reprieve after the first Test result.
Derek Alberts wrote: “Ian Foster’s critics will be sharpening their pitchforks given the fact that the All Blacks’ rare win last week coincided with him being nowhere near the coaching camp.”
Ian Foster’s critics will be sharpening their pitchforks given the fact that the All Blacks’ rare win last week coincided with him being nowhere near the coaching camp.
— Derek Alberts (@derekalberts1) July 9, 2022
“Ian Foster’s All Blacks continue to write the wrong kind of history while Scott Robertson’s Crusaders write all the right kind of history. Foster, as head coach of the Chiefs, won 50% of his matches over 10 years. Some things don’t change.”
Ian Foster's All Blacks continue to write the wrong kind of history while Scott Robertson's Crusaders write all the right kind of history. Foster, as head coach of the Chiefs, won 50% of his matches over 10 years. Some things don't change.
— Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) July 9, 2022
Others took aim at referee Jaco Peyper, who gave the All Blacks two yellow cards and a red.
Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir wrote ‘I really don’t like it when people just whine about the officiating… BUT… this has got to be one of the most appalling refereeing performances I can remember from Jaco Peyper. Lost count of how many big calls he’s got embarrassingly wrong
I really don’t like it when people just whine about the officiating… BUT… this has got to be one of the most appalling refereeing performances I can remember from Jaco Peyper. Lost count of how many big calls he’s got embarrassingly wrong
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) July 9, 2022
Neil Fissler joked that he would be run out of New Zealand. “Jaco Peyper runs the risk of getting cancelled or run out of New Zealand. Everyone knows you aren’t allowed to sin bin two All Blacks at home.”
https://twitter.com/neilfissler/status/1545674761983909889
additional reporting PA
