Donal Lenihan: Leadership and direction of the senior men inked Ireland's place in the history books

The quality of Ireland’s defending throughout was exemplary. Individually and collectively, everyone understood their roles, trusted the man on his inside and outside shoulder in an unbreakable defensive chain

HISTORY MAKERS: Ireland players, from left, Caelan Doris, Jonathan Sexton and Tadhg Furlong celebrate victory after the Steinlager Series match between the New Zealand and Ireland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“With the lessons from Auckland fully absorbed, we’re about to find out if this Irish side is as good as we like to think it is”. 

- Irish Examiner July 8.