Breakthrough victory in Chicago in 2016 changed the template of the relationship between Ireland and New Zealand
The Ireland team face the Haka in a shape of eight in memory of the late Anthony Foley before the victory over New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago in 2016. Photograph: Billy Stickland/InphoIn Chicago the power structure in the relationship changed. The All Black mystique evaporated. Eight years on, with New Zealand due to play Ireland next Friday in the Aviva Stadium, there will be no mention of demigods.
Ireland's captain Rory Best speaks to the team after victory over the All Blacks at Soldier Field, Chicago in 2016. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Following the historic win in Chicago – for which US president Joe Biden famously congratulated his distant cousin and Irish fullback Rob Kearney because “he beat the hell out of the Black and Tans” – New Zealand came to Dublin the following week and quickly straightened things out, winning 21-9.
New Zealand perform the haka before the third and final Test at Wellington Regional Stadium when Ireland won 32-22 to complete an historic series win in New Zealand. Photograph: Aaron Gillions/Photosport/Inpho Under Andy Farrell, Ireland were crushed in the first Test as the All Blacks ran in six tries to win 42-19 at Eden Park. Showing character, Ireland rebounded in Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin with a 23-12 win over the hosts to level the series.
But in defeat Irish players, including a tearful captain Johnny Sexton, showed how Irish attitudes have hardened and how expectations have sharply risen in just eight years. The All Blacks are no longer supernatural deities. They no longer occupy the minds of Irish players like caped comic book heroes.
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