Make it a double, says Jack McGrath

Jack McGrath left Soldier Field pitch with a pint in his hand and a monkey off his back, having beaten the All Blacks, but as far as the Ireland prop is concerned, there is still some unfinished business to complete with the world champions.

The joyous sight of McGrath celebrating with a pint of lager in one hand and a tricolour in the other will remain one of the indelible images of Ireland’s historic first victory over New Zealand, yet the prospect of having to back that up by beating them again a fortnight later is altogether more sobering.

Head coach Joe Schmidt referred to his side’s 40-29 win in Chicago as having “poked the bear” ahead of their Dublin rematch this Saturday, fuelling thoughts of vengeance in an All Blacks side stopped in its tracks after 18 consecutive Test victories.