Ireland's performance against New Zealand on Saturday night in Chicago is one that will live long in the memory.
Like in 2013, they took a lead against the all-conquering All Blacks, showing a level of preparation and a lack of fear that was crucial in keeping control of the contest.
The first half started with a brilliant response from Ireland's players to the Haka, as they stood in a number eight formation as tribute to the late Anthony Foley, something that surely fuelled them for the first 40 minutes, as they put in a stand out performance.
Image: INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: INPHO/Billy Stickland
Ireland played just as their coach would have wanted; solid set pieces, relying on the lineout and the maul as Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray all crossed the line to give them a commanding lead at the break.
The start wasn't ideal, however, as a Johnny Sexton penalty was quickly canceled out by a try from George Moala with less than five minutes gone. Ireland stuck to the plan though, giving themselves a platform to build on for a historic win.
Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga
Image: INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image:©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
The 30-8 advantage that Ireland took in to the half-time break was quickly eroded in a few brilliant passages of play from New Zealand, but with the chance to make history on the line, the Boys in Green were not ready to be denied.
Tries from Simon Zebo and a crucial, clinching score from Robbie Henshaw put paid to the comeback and capped an amazing sporting week in Chicago for fans who had waited far too long to see their sides claim a well earned victory.
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
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