Henshaw among try scorers as heroic Ireland sink All Blacks
Robbie Henshaw was among the try scorers as the Ireland rugby team claimed a momentous victory over New Zealand in Wellington last Saturday.
Ireland’s 33-22 win secured victory in the three-match Test series, with Andy Farrell's men winning the second and third instalments after the All Blacks had won the opener in Auckland.
It’s not the first time that Henshaw has scored a notable try against the All Blacks. Back in November 2016, the Athlone man’s try helped to clinch Ireland’s first ever victory over New Zealand in Soldier Field, Chicago.
On Saturday last, Henshaw scored one of the first-half tries as Ireland surged into an astonishing 22-3 lead at half-time. Josh Van der Flier and Hugo Keenan also crossed the New Zealand line in the first half.
As expected, the All Blacks launched a stirring comeback in the second period, with a stunning try from Will Jordan cutting Ireland's lead to three points at one stage.
But Ireland held firm with a try from replacement Rob Herring keeping the home side at bay. Johnny Sexton's contribution of three conversions and two penalties also proved crucial.
Henshaw excelled throughout last Saturday's historic contest, while Tadhg Beirne was many observers’ choice as 'player of the series'.
Henshaw's outstanding contribution as a player was not the only local link to last weekend's landmark victory, with the Fox brothers (Keith and Robbie) part of the Ireland medical team. Keith and Robbie work in Action Physio based in Blyry, Athlone.
Finlay Bealham, who is registered as a Buccaneers player, was among the replacements for last Saturday's decisive Test.
In addition, the renowned Barrett brothers (New Zealand stars Beauden, Jordie and Scott) have a connection to Athlone, with their father Kevin ‘Smiley’ Barrett having played for Buccaneers during the family's time in Ireland.
The series victory over New Zealand has been described by some commentators as Ireland’s greatest ever sporting achievement. And while it’s difficult to compare sporting achievements from different sports – and indeed individual excellence compared to team accomplishments - it has to be right up there.
Only three countries had previously defeated the All Blacks in a series on New Zealand turf - South Africa (1937), Australia (1986) and France (1994 - a two-game series).
To add further context, only one British & Irish Lions squad has won a Test series against the All Blacks, back in 1971. The closest the Lions (picking from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland) came otherwise was the 2017 series which ended in a draw.