History was made in Wellington on the 16th of July 2022. Not only was it the day Ireland clinched a series win in a country that has for so long had its number in the rugby stakes.
But it became the first team in the professional era to win a series in the land of the long white cloud.
A feat that should not be lost on the wider rugby public is that not only did Ireland take it to the Kiwis, they out thought them in back-to-back clashes.
As the action on the pitch came to a close, the emotion of both sides flooded out. Pure elation and ecstasy flooded the Irish side-line whilst utter dejection and disappointment was seen on the faces of the Kiwis.
Sport has a way of bringing out the emotions like no other outlet. In New Zealand this is amplified when it comes to their beloved All Blacks, who let’s face it still possess some of the very talent in the world.
No doubt the All Blacks will regroup and rebound, even with the uncertainty surrounding their coaching team. A win or perhaps two against the World Champion Springboks would help.
For the here and now though the focus must be placed on just how brilliant Ireland were throughout the series. They controlled the tempo of the final two tests in a fashion that very few have ever done against the All Blacks.
Off the field it now appears as though they have once again taken over proceedings as their celebrations rightly ran into the Wellington evening and beyond.
Rumour has it that New Zealand’s stockpile of Guinness has hit an all-time low as the Irish camp polished off every keg in sight.
Two of the stand-out performers from the series in Peter O’Mahony and Bundee Aki have led the charge.
Still screaming ole,ole,ole the two men appeared to be sampling everything Wellington had to offer including a bystanders KFC.
Nobody can argue this enjoyment wasn’t earned by two men who have just created history and have taken Irish Rugby to heights never before seen.
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