The All Blacks have finished the 2013 season unbeaten for the first time since 1997 and with a perfect record for the first time since 1989.
However, it was not at all as easy as the pundits had made it out before the game with the ABs requiring a Ryan Crotty try and then drama at the end with Aaron Cruden needing to take the conversion attempt twice after the Irish had charged Cruden too early.
It will be a game remembered for all the right and wrong reasons for both Irish fans who once again have to face yet another heartbreaker against the All Blacks as their record against them remains at 0%.
After all, the Irish were only seconds away from the biggest upset in international rugby for some time - going into this game, the ABs were overwhelming favourites over the Irish who had been thrashed by the Wallabies the week before.
Indeed, the tired ABs performance perhaps raises more support for a shorter and unified international window with many of the forwards looking tired against the fresher and hungrier Irish pack.
Sean O'Brien was the standout for the Irish although Jonny Sexton and Conor Murray were excellent against a lacklustre ABs effort.
The result of this game meant that TJ Perenara again has to wait for his first All Blacks cap - the longest wait possible perhaps?
Anyway, congratulations to the ABs and now to enjoy the summer!
Full replay of game -
No comments:
Post a Comment