The contributions of Tadhg Beirne, in the final 10 minutes of Ireland's 32-22 defeat of New Zealand, will take their place on the mantlepiece of great Irish rugby moments. Sitting alongside O'Gara and Sexton's dropgoals, O'Driscoll's hattrick in Paris etc etc.
Three crucial interventions from the Munster secondrow, when the game was still in the balance and the All Blacks in the ascendancy, assured Ireland of arguably their grandest achievement to date, a series win in New Zealand.
It began with a neck-roll on Beirne from Sam Whitelock as he strained to prevent the expert poacher from winning turnover ball. The penalty ate up valuable minutes on the clock, but the All Blacks came right back into the 22. With Ireland stretched out wide, Beirne denied New Zealand once more as he snatched ruck ball from an isolated Will Jordan.
Again the All Blacks came back with their final make or break attack, and once again they were hit with a wave deja vu, as Beirne counter rucked on Dane Coles to win yet another turnover and effectively seal the All Blacks' fate.
As with last week and the social media reaction to Peter O'Mahony's epic second Test performance, Twitter was once again lit up with lavished flattery for Tadhg Beirne.
The reaction to Tadhg Beirne's epic performance in Wellington
Tadhg Beirne literally just told the All Blacks ‘no’ in that last 10 minutes
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) July 16, 2022
Tadhg Beirne has just given you one of the greatest five minutes of defensive moments in Irish rugby history.#NZLvIRE
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) July 16, 2022
Tadhg Beirne, best defensive effort from an Irishman since Paul McGrath in Giants Stadium 🔥
— Rory Keane (@RoryPKeane) July 16, 2022
Much like we used to carry tennis rackets around during the weeks after Wimbledon, I plan to wear a Tadhg Beirne blue scrumcap until further notice
— Ronan Mullen (@RonanReigns) July 16, 2022
READ HERE: Ireland Player Ratings As All Blacks Vanquished And History Made
Tadhg Beirne just put in one of the most superhuman last quarters in rugby history. Intercept and three turnovers with the weight of the entire AB history squeezing us in our 22. He was great throughout but by god that was INSANE. (Also Ryan’s best game ever.)
— Demented Mole (@dementedmole) July 16, 2022
There’s a strong argument to say Tadhg Beirne is the best forward in world rugby. Phenomenal player.
— Steffan Thomas (@Steffan_Thomas1) July 16, 2022
Not only will his last ten minutes be immortalised, but the rest of his performance and key stats were also excellent.
19 metres from six carries, one clean break, 18 tackles, a lineout steal, and two more breakdown turnovers to add to his poach on Will Jordan.
When we think of great Irish defensive performances, Paul McGrath in the Giants Stadium in '94 and Richard Dunne against Russia in 2011 both spring to mind. Tadhg Beirne against New Zealand in Wellington will now sit proudly alongside them.
SEE ALSO: "Four Million People Up For Breakfast, Probably Having A Few Pints!"
