What are Ireland’s greatest rugby victories? Landmark Dunedin success joins the ranks

AP

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.

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.

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 (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Archive)

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

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

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 (David Jones/PA) (PA Archive)

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 (Paul Faith/PA) (PA Archive)

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.