ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

#ThrowbackThursday: That time New Zealand broke Irish hearts (twice)

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Thursday Oct 20, 2016

The end-of-year internationals are just around the corner and Ireland in particular start with a fascinating clash. They kick their matches off in the unfamiliar territory of Soldier Field in Chicago, where they will face the All Blacks.

It will be the first time the two sides will have met since their epic Dublin encounter in 2013, when the All Blacks snatched an unlikely victory in the final minute, breaking Irish hearts not only once, but twice.

Already cruelly denied a first ever win over the Kiwis – and the first of any sort by an Irish team since Munster’s famous 1978 triumph – with a last gasp try from Ryan Crotty, Ireland were then left to endure yet more pain after Aaron Cruden took two conversion attempts to keep their winning streak going.

Cruden had originally missed the first conversion, but referee Nigel Owens, who had left Irish fans on tenterhooks by referring Crotty’s try to the TMO, ordered the out-half to re-take the kick as several Irish players charged too early.

The partisan Aviva Stadium faithful, having moments before seen victory slip were understandably elated with the apparent draw. But in a cruel twist of fate, their hopes were crushed once more as Cruden’s second kick duly sailed through the posts, securing a 24-22 win.

Last weekend we saw a similar incident – also involving referee Owens – as Northampton’s Stephen Myler was able to re-take his conversion attempt following Montpellier’s Francois Steyn’s verbal charge being deemed unsporting.

While it’s easy to argue whether Ireland’s early charge affected the outcome of Cruden’s first attempt, Steyn’s petulance does place emphasis on respecting the goal-kicker at all times, players and spectators alike.

Come November 5th in the USA, Ireland will be looking to right the wrongs from that thrilling 2013 performance, and finally get one over the All Blacks, who they have still not beaten in 28 attempts, over 108 years.

Below are the last 5 minutes of the EPIC match, plus Cruden’s two shots at goal

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

View All