But it was a hugely encouraging performance from this Irish side who looked out of it when the All Blacks hit them with tries in the space of three minutes at the start of the second half. At that stage the scoreline read 33-13 but to their credit Ireland kept their nerve and composure and a superb try from Brian O'Driscoll in the 56th minute gave them the springboard  to dominate the final quarter.

Shortly after Keith Earls came on the Limerick man was denied a try in the corner that could have put a totally different complexion on the end game.

As it turned out the All Blacks ended the game in the Irish half of the field thanks to a superb Carter touchfind and althiugh there could be absolutely no quibble about the merit of their victory, Reid's try gave the final scoreline a flattering aspect.