Tommy Bowe summed up how much Ireland’s victory over New Zealand meant to Irish rugby after Andy Farrell’s side posted a historic 29-20 victory in Dublin.
The success was wholly deserved with the men in green outscoring the All Blacks 3-2 on tries and reducing them to just 39 percent possession and 33 percent territory.
An initial tackle count suggested the visitors had had to make 238 hits over the 80 minutes.
Bowe, the ex-Ospreys, Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions wing, captured what the victory meant for the game in the Emerald Isle.
“It’s still a full crowd. Nobody has left here,” he said on Channel 4, 15 minutes after the final whistle.
“It’s hugely emotional.
“There were dads, sons, brothers, sisters crying over that victory.
“The whole place was absolutely rocking — a landmark victory for Andy Farrell since he’s come into this coaching set-up.
“For Ireland to win against the Blacks: it’s an emotional night, an emotional performance.
“This is a real statement of where Irish rugby is going.
“It’s a historic night here at the Aviva.”
The success means Ireland have now posted three wins in five years over New Zealand, including two on the bounce at the Aviva Stadium.
Wales, meantime, have gone 68 years since beating the All Blacks, with a depleted team crashing to a 54-16 defeat in Cardiff two weeks earlier.
But that's another story.
This was Ireland's day.
Their success was built on a superb forward performance, but there were heroes throughout their side. Home tries came from James Lowe, Ronan Kelleher and man-of-the-match Caelan Doris, while the Kiwis replied with touchdowns from Codie Taylor and Will Jordan.
For Ireland, Peter O’Mahony roared aggression alongside Doris and Jack Conan in the back row, with Tadhg Beirne making an impact off the bench.
New Zealand could have zero complaints.
Ireland were worthy winners.
Bowe added: “Rory Best said it took 111 years for Ireland to win (against New Zealand).
"We’ve now done it three times.
“This Irish team are going places.”
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