Ireland have recorded their first ever triumph over New Zealand courtesy of a thrilling 40-29 victory in Chicago this evening.
The All Blacks had won each of the previous 28 meetings between the two teams, but a stunning display in Ireland's opening Autumn International saw them end their 111-year wait for victory.
The match began in an emotionally-charged manner as the Irish players stood up to the Haka in a figure of eight, paying tribute to former Ireland forward and Munster head coach Anthony Foley, who died suddenly last month.
Johnny Sexton put Joe Schmidt's side in front with an early penalty, but it didn't take long for New Zealand to hit back through George Moala's try.
However, Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray all crossed over to send Ireland into the half-time interval ahead, before Simon Zebo touched down to put Ireland into an even more commanding position.
Zebo's try finally seemed to wake the world champions, though, and New Zealand came storming back through scores from TJ Perenara, Ben Smith and Scott Barrett that left them just four points behind with more than 15 minutes remaining.
Ireland held firm, though, with Robbie Henshaw wrapping up the victory late on to end New Zealand's 18-match winning run and create history in Chicago just days after the Cubs ended their 108-year wait for a World Series.
Barney Corkhill
