Sensational Ireland cap off first ever series win v All Blacks

For more than 100 years, the thought of beating the All Blacks was fanciful. In the last nine months it has started to feel normal.

If it seemed possible that Ireland would win a Test series in New Zealand this summer, it didn't seem possible they would do it like this.

When it mattered most, they played their very best rugby. They were merciless and callous when they had the ball in the opening half, scoring three first-half tries in a first 40 minutes which was built on patient, composed defence.

The second half was about grit. When the New Zealand onslaught arrived, it was like the days of old. Ireland were torn to shreds early in the second half, but continued to patch themselves together.

Every time they took a blow, they threw one back.

Tadhg Beirne was possessed, the pick of an incredible team display. As one of last week's key players, he moved to a different level in Wellington, forcing three turnovers in his own 22 in the final 10 minutes of the game, three interventions that you can pin this win on.

Johnny Sexton picked the perfect night to hit a personal milestone of 1,000 Test points. This was his fifth time beating the All Blacks, along with Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy and Joey Carbery, the latter of whom produced a vital interception in the final five minutes of the game.

There were countless impressive displays though. Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw's first half tries had Ireland 19 points ahead by the break, but the key score was Rob Herring's, the Ulster hooker touching down the fourth try, just as New Zealand had closed to within three of the lead.

This series hadn't been designed for Irish success, with a first Test at fortress Eden Park, and two midweek games against the Maori. To win the