Their stunning 40-29 win over New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago last night may have been the best in anyone’s history. Ireland had never beaten the All Blacks in 111 years of trying, and Steve Hansen’s men had completed their 18th consecutive Test victory, a world record, when they beat Australia two weeks ago. Ireland were together for the first time since last season, whereas New Zealand have been together throughout the recent Rugby Championship. But long before the end, in the face of magnificent Irish aggression, good judgment, wisdom and great rugby, the sporting mortality of the men in black was in no doubt. Nor was the coaching acumen of Joe Schmidt, the Kiwi in…

Source: The Times November 06, 2016 01:41 UTC