Owens call hard to swallow

Gut wrenching is the word that comes to mind, and it’s as good as any to describe Irish emotions at the final whistle in Christchurch on Saturday.

After a pretty miserable week for Irish sport, at last a performance to savour.

With just 30 seconds remaining on the clock Dan Carter, with the poxiest drop goal of his illustrious career, denied Ireland the draw which was the least they deserved from this immense display. It would also have extended the three test Steinlager series to the final game in Hamilton next Saturday.