Ireland put together a much stronger performance in the second test of their tour of New Zealand, coming close to drawing with the All Blacks if it werent for a late snap drop goal from flyhalf Dan Carter, who sealed the series as they won the game 22-19.
After the 42-10 drubbing a week prior, nobody expected Ireland to pose much of a threat to the All Blacks, who were playing their first game in Christchurch since the earthquakes.
Ireland surprised everybody though as a determined, passionate showing brought them within inches of claiming their first ever win against New Zealand.
Carter, who is looking back to his best of late, broke the hearts of Irish fans in the dying seconds as the All Blacks piled on the pressure and he snuck a quick drop goal for the win.
“We’re absolutely gutted alright,” said Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll. “To concede early in the second half and then to fight back to get level and then to concede it the way we did at the end is very, very disappointing.
“But it was such a massive improvement over last week and I’m so proud of the lads. I just think we let ourselves down a little bit last week and let the jersey down. We talked about that this week and talked about concentrating on our own game and playing with the ball a little more.
“I think we managed to do that and we had them in trouble a few times but the scoreline still says an All Blacks victory which is difficult to take.”
New Zealand have now won the series 2-0, but Ireland have another crack at them next week in the final Test. You can view highlights of the game below, and watch the full match here.
Credit: rugsta15
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