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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Ireland stun All Blacks to win in New Zealand for the first time amid drama and chaos

Ireland claimed a historic first win away to New Zealand to set up a thrilling series decider following a breathless Dunedin encounter packed with drama.

Andrew Porter twice crossed the whitewash to push the Irish to a 23-12 victory over the undisciplined All Blacks. Having gone in 10-7 up after a chaotic first half, Ireland made a strong start to the second period to race ahead with a lead which New Zealand were not able to catch up with.

Captain Johnny Sexton - passed fit to play following concussion concerns - added 13 points as Andy Farrell's side set up a tantalising final Test in Wellington next weekend.

Read more: Furious South Africa lash out at claims they've picked 'B team' as Springboks vow to 'bury' Wales

The match had more than its fair share of cards, with the hosts playing with 13 men at times and with 14 men for more than 40 minutes following a red card for prop Angus Ta'avao after he ploughed into the head of Garry Ringrose, who departed to be replaced by Bundee Aki.

Ta'avao's All Blacks team-mates Leicester Fainga'anuku and Ofa Tu'ungafasi were also sin-binned in the opening 40, for a reckless charge-down on Mack Hansen and for tackling Ringrose off the ball to deny the Irish a second try respectively.

Some will feel referee Jaco Peyper could have punished the hosts more severely, while Beauden Barrett's improvised score and a late Will Jordan try gave the depleted Kiwis hope of a comeback, but they were ultimately powerless to prevent their opponents from securing a first win on New Zealand soil at the 13th attempt.

It comes just a week after New Zealand cruised to a 42-19 success in Auckland, but their quest to clinch series glory at the first opportunity was undermined by repeated infringements.

Ireland and New Zealand will meet for the deciding Test next week in Wellington.

Porter told Sky Sports afterwards: "It's very emotional creating a bit of history today but the job's not done. All that matters is next week now.

"It's an incredible group of lads to work with. I can't be more proud of the work the lads have put in over the last week to bounce back from last weekend. It's hard to put into words how I feel right now, to be honest. It'll be even sweeter if we can pull off the win next week as well. We'll throw everything at it."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said: "The main thing is we're learning how to deal with the pressure of the top-level games, our composure is really good and things are not always going to go sprightly for you in any game, especially against the world's best.

"We got what we deserved. These lads have created a bit of history and earned the right to try and compete for a series next week."

It follows a record-breaking few years for Ireland against the Kiwis. Ireland beat them for the first time in 2016 in Chicago before beating them for the first time at home in 2018.

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