Ireland’s greatest victories, including landmark Dunedin success

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Ireland’s Greatest Victories, Including Landmark Dunedin Success
Andy Farrell’s Ireland triumphed 23-12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Photo: AP/Press Association Images
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By Ed Elliot, PA

Ireland made history on Saturday by winning away to three-time world champions New Zealand for the first time.

The Irish, who levelled their three-match series at 1-1 to force a decider in Wellington, have now beaten the formidable All Blacks four times in the past seven meetings.

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Here, the PA news agency picks out some of Ireland’s greatest victories.

New Zealand 12 Ireland 23: July 9, 2022

Prop Andrew Porter doubled his international try tally with two crucial scores in Dunedin as Ireland capitalised on the hosts’ indiscipline to claim a landmark result.

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Captain Johnny Sexton kicked 13 points to help the Irish finally defeat the All Blacks – who had front-row replacement Angus Ta’avao sent off in the first half – on New Zealand soil at the 13th time of asking.

Ireland 16 New Zealand 9: November 17, 2018

Jacob Stockdale was Ireland's match-winner
Jacob Stockdale was Ireland’s match-winner (Niall Carson/PA)

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Ireland’s maiden home success over the Kiwis came almost four years ago when Jacob Stockdale’s clever try decided the game.

Fly-half Sexton added three penalties and a conversion as the Irish – then coached by Joe Schmidt – made a statement ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

England 15 Ireland 24: March 17, 2018

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Ireland enjoyed a memorable St Patrick's Day in 2018
Ireland enjoyed a memorable St Patrick’s Day in 2018 (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Ireland clinched just the third Grand Slam in their history with a superb Twickenham victory on St Patrick’s Day.

First-half tries from Garry Ringrose, CJ Stander and Stockdale put them in control before Schmidt’s side held off England’s second-half fightback.

Ireland 40 New Zealand 29: November 5, 2016

Six years ago, Ireland toppled New Zealand for the first time courtesy of a thrilling 40-29 success at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Robbie Henshaw’s late try ended a 111-year wait for bragging rights over the All Blacks, while the host city also celebrated the Cubs’ World Series baseball victory that week too.

Wales 15 Ireland 17: March 21, 2009

Ireland celebrated their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009
Ireland celebrated their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009 (David Jones/PA)

Ireland won their second Grand Slam and 11th championship title overall following a slender success at the Millennium Stadium.

The visitors overturned a 6-0 half-time deficit thanks to early second-half tries from Brian O’Driscoll and Tommy Bowe before Ronan O’Gara’s drop goal secured a first tournament clean sweep for 61 years.

First Grand Slam: 1948

Jack Kyle is credited with helping mastermind Ireland’s first Grand Slam title
Jack Kyle is credited with helping mastermind Ireland’s first Grand Slam title (Paul Faith/PA)

Ireland were crowned Grand Slam champions for the first time after a 6-3 defeat of Wales 74 years ago in Belfast.

Jack Kyle played in all four games and is often credited with masterminding the Irish success.

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