Johnny Sexton signed off on a loss, leaving a nation to deal with the pain of a World Cup failure for at least another four years.
Ireland crashed out of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, their four point defeat at the hands of New Zealand sentencing them to yet another quarter-final exit.
Johnny Sexton signed off on a loss, leaving a nation to deal with the pain of a World Cup failure for at least another four years.
The All Blacks got the first points on the board after seven minutes, when Richie Mo’unga kicked a penalty to give his side the lead.
Just over five minutes later and New Zealand nailed another penalty, this time it was Jordie Barrett with the score, extending their lead to six.
Leicester Fainga’anuku dotted down just before the 20 minute mark, and his try was converted to see the All Blacks race 13 points clear.
Sexton stepped up to get Ireland’s first points on the board minutes later, and he was followed by a Bundee Aki try, the Connacht man dancing his way in for Ireland’s first try. The conversion left Ireland three adrift.
Ardi Savea was next to go over for New Zealand, but Ireland replied with a try of their own courtesy of Jamison Gibson-Park. Andy Farrell’s men trailed by just one point at the break.
Will Jordan went over for the All Blacks in the second-half, but Ireland once again had an answer, driving over for a penalty try.
There was just one point separating the sides when Barrett stepped up for a penalty goal. His kick sent the All Blacks four points clear, and the ultimately sealed the game.