History eludes ‘devastated’ Irish

Rugby history was created by the All Blacks but tantalisingly snatched away from Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in a frenzied Aviva Stadium yesterday.

New Zealand became the first side in the professional era to have a 100% record in a calendar year with a dramatic last-minute try and conversion that left Ireland and new coach Schmidt “devastated”.

The defeat was more gut-wrenching because twice Ireland blew the opportunity to snuff out the All Blacks’ comeback after surging into a 19-point lead early on.