New Zealand vs. Ireland result: Johnny Sexton eyes series win after first ever victory on All Blacks soil

Ben Miller

New Zealand vs. Ireland result: Johnny Sexton eyes series win after first ever victory on All Blacks soil image

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton praised head coach Andy Farrell and his staff after their side earned their first ever win in New Zealand to level the three-Test series with a 23-13 victory in Dunedin.

Andrew Porter touched down in either half and Sexton added two conversions and three penalties as Andy Farrell's side avenged their 42-19 defeat at Eden Park on July 2.

New Zealand were reduced to 14 men when Angus Ta'avao was dismissed in the 31st minute and Sexton admitted the series is "all on the line" ahead of the decider in Wellington next Saturday.

"We've got a fantastic coaching team," said Sexton, speaking to Sky Sports after scoring two penalties and adding three conversions on a historic day for Irish rugby.

"They had us well up for the game. We felt we didn't give our best last week and the All Blacks punished us but we were in a good place this week and all we had to do was go and deliver the gameplan. We have the chance to win the series here and that doesn't come along too often."

10-7 ahead at the break, Ireland increased their lead in the second half before a Will Jordan try came too late for the All Blacks.

There had been doubts over Sexton's participation after he suffered a head injury in Ireland's heavy defeat at Eden Park on July 2 but the fly-half returned to inspire his side to a famous win.

The result also meant that New Zealand failed to win for the first time at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The Sporting News followed the match live and provided live score updates and commentary.

MORE: NZ advertising campaign set to mock Irish rugby team

New Zealand vs. Ireland result

 1H 2H Final
New Zealand7613
Ireland101323

Scorers: Ireland

Tries Porter

Conversions Sexton (2)

Penalties Sexton (3)

New Zealand

Tries: Beauden Barrett, Jordan

Conversions: Jordie Barrett

New Zealand vs. Ireland as-it-happened

FULL TIME: New Zealand 13-23 Ireland

New Zealand hit back at the end, replacement Carbery supplying Jordan for a late reply before Barrett was unable to convert.

It's not enough, though. Ireland have their fourth victory against these opponents and first ever as visitors! And that sets us up beautifully for the decider in Wellington next Saturday.

75 mins: New Zealand 7-23 Ireland

Tu’ungafasi is a metre away from the line and Taukei’aho thinks he has grounded, only for the officials to decide he hasn't. New Zealand are badly running out of time.

73 mins: New Zealand 7-23 Ireland

This has been an uncharacteristic - almost shambolic - performance by New Zealand's standards. But they are pushing, as they have to now, and Jordan sends a penalty into the Irish 22.

Sexton is replaced by Carbery in a denouement after appearing to pick up an issue while kicking.

70 mins: New Zealand 7-23 Ireland

This stadium has gone relatively quiet. Are New Zealand about to fail to win here for the first time, or will Ireland suffer one of their all-too-familiar late frustrations?

68 mins: New Zealand 7-23 Ireland

Sexton scores his third penalty, and Ireland are little more than 10 minutes away from victory now!

They've sent on several replacements: Gibson-Park makes way for Murray and Bealham and Healy come in for Furlong and Porter.

62 mins: New Zealand 7-20 Ireland

As much as Ireland are within touching distance of a first ever win in New Zealand, their opponents can change the complexion of the contest by scoring now.

A Doris tackle stops Jordie Barrett, then Ireland prevail at a ruck after Bower launches a New Zealand offensive.

59 mins: New Zealand 7-20 Ireland

Porter's productivity means Ireland have a 13-point lead. This is some turnaround from last week's result.

56 mins: New Zealand 7-20 Ireland

Sexton converts! Ireland are within 25 minutes of a famous victory.

54 mins: New Zealand 7-17 Ireland

Ireland have a penalty! New Zealand have replaced Fainga’anuku with Jordan. Those Irish fans who have made the colossal journey here are beginning to believe.

49 mins: New Zealand 7-17 Ireland

Porter has his second try! Sexton feeds Aki, and Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne carry before the prop powers over!

Sexton does the business, and Ryan returns. Ireland are ten points in front!

44 mins: New Zealand 7-10 Ireland

Retallick is eventually removed, replaced by Tuipulotu comes on. Fainga’anuku is adjudged to have knocked on after looking to have lost the ball. This has been a decent start to the half for Ireland, who are around five minutes from having Ryan back.

42 mins: New Zealand 7-10 Ireland

41 mins: New Zealand 7-10 Ireland

We're off again! Ireland gather a high kick but play is stopped after Retalick is inadvertently smashed in the head by Sexton. That's a nasty one, and it's something of a surprise that he's allowed to continue.

HALF-TIME: New Zealand 7-10 Ireland

You can bet New Zealand will be regrouping right now. They'll have been extremely glad to have seen the break after ending that half depleted but with a try.

HALF-TIME: New Zealand 7-10 Ireland

A curious, ill-disciplined and compelling half comes to a close in characteristically all-action style, James Ryan being sin-binned after failing to move 10 metres back.

Beauden Barrett then inadvertently boots the ball into the in-goal from a ruck, and he pounces to score while Ireland appeal for a knock-on. Jordie Barrett converts, and Ireland's regrets are compounded.

35 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

There's a considerable amount of confusion as Tu’ungafasi’s sin bin period ends. Eventually, the officials decide that Savea cannot remain on the pitch, with Papalii instead remaining.

Savea departed when New Zealand were unable to scrummage on the tighthead after Ireland went for a scrum. Their opponents are holding on.

33 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Scott Barrett's half-century is not one to remember so far. New Zealand are ragged at the moment.

31 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

New Zealand are reduced to 13 men! New Zealand are losing their discipline. As Ireland press for more points, Ta’avao and Ringrose clash and both men are prone as a result.

The New Zealand man is then dismissed for the high and reckless challenge, and Bundee Aki comes in for Ringrose.

What an opportunity this is now for Ireland.

26 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

There's a check on a challenge by Tu’ungafasi on Ringrose during that chance for Ireland, resulting in a yellow for the prop.

All the more incentive for Ireland to extend their lead as they seek to become the first team to deny New Zealand at this stadium!

26 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Sexton puts New Zealand in trouble with a kick and, when he takes possession, the skipper bypasses  Tu’ungafasi and tries to locate Garry Ringrose.

Ireland so nearly score on the short side, only for Beauden Barrett to narrowly intervene. The visitors really need to take advantage of these opportunities.

22 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Aaron Smith kicks high but Ireland deal with the danger well, Gary Ringrose switching play. Ireland then transgress from a lineout.

The controversy continues over that warning for Leicester Fainga’anuku.

17 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Leicester Fainga’anuku is lucky not to see red after making head contact with Hansen, although he's adjudged to have made most contact with the chest.

That's a sin bin for ten minutes, but New Zealand might take that as those supporters in green bay for more.

14 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Here's Porter's try.

13 mins: New Zealand 0-10 Ireland

Ireland extend their lead! Johnny Sexton takes aim from 39 metres, slightly to the right, and adds to the scoreline.

That makes it 986 points in his international career for the man who was a doubt for this morning's match. Well played.

9 mins: New Zealand 0-7 Ireland

New Zealand earn a penalty after Quinn Tupaea is impeded, his team taking the opportunity to send the ball to the Irish 22.

James Ryan collects the ball to snuff out the danger, and Ireland clear before Dalton Papalii goes beyond the ball with an attempted clearout.

7 mins: New Zealand 0-7 Ireland

Ireland are containing New Zealand under increasing pressure. The hosts have a scrum.

3 mins: New Zealand 0-7 Ireland

Ireland made a bright start last week, and now they've opened the scoring in half the time they needed on that occasion!

Tadhg Beirne breaks and Mack Hansen helps to move the ball into a more central position, where Andrew Porter is fed by Johnny Sexton to drive over. Sexton then converts! A splendid start for his side.

1 min: New Zealand 0-0 Ireland

Ireland, going from left to right in this first half, start the action! Their opponents have a perfect record from seven matches at the Forsyth Barr Stadium here in Dunedin.

2 mins to KO: New Zealand perform the haka. Ireland are in a huddle. We're almost ready to go!

3 mins to KO: Here's how New Zealand looked a little earlier. The atmosphere is simmering ahead of kick-off.

5 mins to KO: The teams are out! Ireland's national anthem is being belted out by a professional singer, with the visiting players and fans who have made the pilgrimage wholeheartedly joining in.

Papalii looks focused as he goes through the motions. He's making his 15th international appearance today.

15 mins to KO: Who's ready? Andy Farrell hopes Ireland are, having described his players as being "in a good place" in the build-up.

"There have been a few things to fix like there is in every week, but we’ve had a good training week," Farrell added.

25 mins to KO: New Zealand, meanwhile, start like this, with Sam Whitelock replaced by Scott Barrett in the number six role and Dalton Papalii introduced in the back row.

Can Ireland produce a less error-strewn performance against this side? They'll be attempting to do so at a stadium with a roof built from the same plastic used to create Cornwall's Eden Project.

45 mins to KO: Here's how Ireland start as they look to avenge their setback in Auckland. Mack Hansen, who has had Covid, returns in place of Keith Earls, and captain Johnny Sexton is not rested despite suffering a head injury during that defeat.

2 Hrs to KO.: Hello, and welcome to this live coverage of New Zealand vs. Ireland. The tourists are seeking a response in Dunedin after a disappointing start to their tour.

New Zealand vs. Ireland lineups

Sam Whitelock's concussion means a reshuffle in the All Blacks pack, with Blues flanker Dalton Papalii starting at blindside, with Scott Barrett moving into the second row.

Prop Aiden Ross and scrum-half Folau Fakatava will make their debuts if they feature from the bench.

New Zealand lineup: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; George Bower, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papalii, Sam Cane (c), Ardie Savea.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aiden Ross, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo'Unga, Will Jordan.

Mack Hansen is fully recovered from his positive coronavirus test at the start of the tour and he comes into the back three alongside James Low and Hugo Keenan.

It means there is no place in the 23 for last week's tryscorer Earls, while Ulster hooker Rob Herring is named on the bench.

"There's all sorts of different ramifications that go into selection, sometimes players probably have not performed to the standards they judge themselves on," Farrell said. "To not give people a chance to correct that is sometimes missing an opportunity, so there's a little bit of that." 

Captain Johnny Sexton is fit to start after completing his head injury assessments. The fly-half was substituted at Eden Park

Ireland lineup: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Jonathan Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Bundee Aki.

MORE: Ireland tour of New Zealand schedule: Key dates and venues as Andy Farrell's side face All Blacks

How to watch New Zealand vs. Ireland

 UK (BST)USA (ET)Canada (ET)Australia (AEST)
DateSat, July 9Sat, July 9Sat, July 9Sat, July 9
Time8.05 a.m.3.05 a.m.3.05 a.m.5.05 p.m.
TV channel

Sky Sports

StreamingSky Sports Flo RugbyFlo RugbyFlo Rugby, Stan Sport

UK: Matches are carried across Sky Sports streaming and TV platforms.

USA/Canada/Australia: Streaming is available on Flo Rugby, which is available through the Flo Sports App and Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast & Apple TV.

Viewers in Australia can also subscribe to Stan Sport, which offers a free seven-day trial.

Ben Miller

Ben Miller Photo

Ben Miller has been writing about sport for 25 years, following all levels of football as well as boxing, MMA, athletics and tennis. He’s seen five promotions, three relegations, one World Cup winner and home games in at least three different stadiums as a result of his lifelong devotion to Brighton & Hove Albion. His main aim each week is to cover at least one game or event that does not require a last-minute rewrite.