New Zealand v Ireland: Big match talking points

Saturday's win sets it up nicely now for next week’s third and final test in Wellington, but perhaps the real impact of this victory will come in over a year at the World Cup in France.

SATURDAY SMILES: Ireland's James Lowe, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen celebrate the win over New Zealand.

Historic win immediately alters World Cup aspirations 

So the positivity which Andy Farrell exuded immediately after the 42-19 drubbing in Eden Park last weekend was not unfounded. He’s been around the block with enough teams to have seen enough to believe that he could fashion a first ever win on New Zealand soil in 14 attempts.