2017 Test Series Win vs Ireland
The All Blacks reasserted their dominance with a clean sweep against the world's top-ranked team.
The 2017 Test Series victory over Ireland stands as a defining chapter in the modern era of New Zealand rugby, marking the All Blacks' successful defense of their world supremacy against a resurgent Irish side. While often overshadowed by the 2015 World Cup triumph or the 2019 campaign, this series is historically significant for demonstrating the All Blacks' ability to adapt and dominate a team that had previously ended New Zealand's winning streaks in Dublin. The series featured two brutal, high-stakes encounters in Auckland and Wellington that tested the physical and mental fortitude of both nations.
- Series Result
- 2-0 Win for New Zealand
- Venue Locations
- Eden Park (Auckland), Westpac Stadium (Wellington)
- Key All Blacks Figures
- Kieran Read, Beauden Barrett, Sam Whitelock
- Opposition Status
- Ranked #1 in the world at the time of series start
- Series Significance
- First series win against Ireland since 2009
Lore & Background
The second Test in Wellington was even more intense, characterized by fierce physicality and a tactical battle that saw the All Blacks pull away in the second half. The series win was not just about points; it was a psychological reset for New Zealand rugby after the shock loss in Dublin the previous year. It reinforced the home-ground advantage of the All Blacks and validated the coaching philosophy of Steve Hansen, proving they could dismantle the world's best defense with precision and power when their backs were against the wall.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down on Westpac Stadium, turning the turf into a slick battlefield where every tackle echoed like a gunshot. In the final quarter, the scoreline was tight, the Irish defense a wall of blue that refused to crumble. Beauden Barrett caught his breath, eyes scanning the chaotic scrum ahead. He saw the gap, just a sliver of space between two towering defenders. With a grunt of exertion, he passed off to Ardie Savea, who crashed through the line, drawing three tackles before offloading. The ball spiraled through the wet air, landing perfectly in the hands of Rieko Ioane. One step, two steps, and then the try line was breached as the roar of the home crowd swallowed the sound of the referee's whistle.
Reader's Guide
The 2017 series between New Zealand and Ireland is remembered as a pivotal moment where the All Blacks reclaimed their aura of invincibility against a peerless opponent. Playing two Tests in June, the series began at Eden Park with a tense 46-6 victory for New Zealand. Despite Ireland's reputation for defensive solidity, the All Blacks' attacking depth proved too much to handle once they found their rhythm early on.
The second Test moved to Wellington, where conditions were even more challenging. This match was a war of attrition, with both teams trading blows and physical dominance. The All Blacks eventually broke through in the second half, securing a 64-33 victory that completed a clean sweep. The series is historically significant because it ended Ireland's momentum following their historic win in Dublin the year prior, re-establishing New Zealand as the undisputed kings of world rugby on home soil.
What makes this series memorable is the sheer contrast in styles and the high stakes involved. Ireland entered as the number one ranked team, looking to prove they could beat the All Blacks consistently. The All Blacks responded with a masterclass in adaptability, utilizing their depth and speed to dismantle Irish structures. It remains a textbook example of how New Zealand manages pressure, turning a potential crisis into a statement of dominance.
Did You Know?
- Ireland entered the series ranked number one in the world, having held that spot since August 2016.
- This was the first time New Zealand had won a two-test series against Ireland since 2009.
- The second Test in Wellington saw the All Blacks score six tries, showcasing their offensive firepower despite the wet conditions.
- Joe Schmidt's Irish side had previously defeated New Zealand in Dublin in 2016, making this series a game of revenge for the All Blacks.