Ireland were defeated by the All Blacks in Dublin despite spending the second half parked in Kiwi territory for the most part, but their defence proved impenetrable as they held on to the lead they had built in the first half with two tries.
One of those tries was a controversial one, as despite New Zeland outhalf Beauden Barrett jogging over the line with a big smile on his face, Johnny Sexton nearly pulled off a miraculous try-saving act by getting his arm under the ball... Actually, it looked very much like he did pull it off, but the TMO appeared to have made his mind up on first viewing and was unwilling to change his mind.
Despite the reaction from the crowd, the try was awarded and Barrett was awarded man of the match, and it was as he was handed his award that he apologised for counting his chickens and trying to get the ball under the posts, claiming that it was almost embarrassing and that he wouldn't be doing it again.
Beauden Barrett: We really had to work tonight https://t.co/2B8n6UOBgw https://t.co/KbOZlOBAkH
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 19, 2016
He never did answer the question of whether it was grounded though... Hmmm...
Still, it's hard to be too angry with him as he really is an outstanding player and was deserving of the man of the match honours. A tough night for Ireland, the try that was needed for a real push late on never game, and handling errors in crucial positions that went to hand in Chicago were ultimately the difference.
