Ireland was battling for a historic win in New Zealand, having held off a fight back in the second half to achieve a stunning 32-22 success in an epic encounter in Wellington.
Andy Farrell’s men led by 19 points at halftime thanks to a spellbinding first half play that saw attempts for Josh Van Der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw.
But thanks to scores from Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane and Will Jordan, the All Blacks came within three points in a breathless second period, before Rob Herring crossed over to help the tourists home on a historic night.
Ireland made history after taking its first win over All Blacks in New Zealand
Members of Ireland’s victorious squad were pictured full-time in tears enjoying what may have been the best result in their country’s history, also leading them to the top of the world rankings.
Captain Johnny Sexton, who celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday, scored 12 points and became the second man to surpass 1,000 in the green jersey.
Ireland only won to New Zealand for the first time last weekend by rebounding from a 42-19 drubbing in the Auckland opener to win 23-12 in Dunedin and set up the decider.
Head coach Farrell had expressed hope that his side had saved their best performances for the final Test.
Ireland celebrate Josh van der Flier’s try after just three minutes into the game
The Englishman had his wish duly fulfilled during a phenomenal opening 40 minutes packed with power and intensity before the Irish weathered a storm of the second half which was heightened by the loss of Andrew Porter to a yellow card to end the series 2-1. to win.
The outclassed All Blacks deserved credit for not rolling over, but the sensational result puts even more pressure on the under fire head coach Ian Foster.
Before kick-off, tears flowed during a rousing rendition of the New Zealand national anthem before a stunned Sky Stadium was quickly silenced.
Farrell described sniffing series success on Kiwi soil as “like gold dust” and for the third straight Saturday, his side was rewarded for a quick start with an early attempt.
Buzzing by intent, the Irish flew out of the blocks, culminating in flanker Van Der Flier crashing in the fourth minute to claim his eighth international score.
The visitors took a historic series win after leading with them by 19 points at halftime
New Zealand made a total of five personnel changes from their dismal display in Dunedin after blindside flanker Ioane was a late replacement for Scott Barrett but initially showed little sign of improvement and often seemed rudderless.
The underpowered hosts eventually gained some meaningful ground and narrowed the deficit thanks to Jordie Barrett kicking a simple penalty after wasting an earlier chance.
But Ireland quickly reasserted authority and took control of the scoreboard with brilliant, free-flowing rugby.
They crossed for the second time in the 28th minute when Keenan clearly broke through and hit the left side of the ball on a fine pass from James Lowe.
Further fine interplay of Dan Sheehan, Sexton and Bundee Aki enabled Henshaw to merrily use the All Blacks defense just before half-time.
Johnny Sexton celebrates after two penalties and three conversions
New Zealand lacked leadership and ideas while constantly outsmarting.
Ireland had no such problems and the influential skipper Sexton coolly converted the second and third attempts, both sides of landing a long-range penalty, when he joined Ronan O’Gara and hit four figures.
The panicked hosts were 22-3 down at halftime – their biggest halftime deficit in 119 years of Test rugby.
Urgently in need of a response, Foster’s squad was handed a lifeline when Savea transitioned within four minutes of the restart, with Barrett making the conversion to initiate a major momentum shift.
Rob Herring almost gets the ball over the line to increase his side’s advantage
Ireland soon numbered 14 as prop Porter made a mistake over direct contact with Brodie Retallick, leaving the Kiwis a little sad after Angus Ta’avao was ejected after a similar incident last weekend.
Recalled back-rower Ioane then slipped easily through the Irish defense to claim his first Test try and bring the hosts within five points in a frenetic spell.
Sexton briefly calmed Irish nerves with a penalty, but painfully hit the bar with another try before being overtaken by the electric Jordan, who zoomed away for a fine solo score to set up a nerve-racking final 20 minutes.
Ireland desperately needed some stability and got it five minutes later thanks to substitute whore Haring who stretched superbly in front of the line to finally extinguish Kiwi hopes.
The Irish dug in resolutely into the closing stages as they clung to a landmark result that marks a milestone for next year’s World Cup in France.