New Zealand v Ireland, Hamilton
Ireland still searching for elusive win
ESPN Staff
June 19, 2012
Ireland try and close down Dan Carter, New Zealand v Ireland, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, June 16, 2012
Dan Carter's late drop-goal broke Irish hearts © Getty Images
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The All Blacks are still yet to lose to Ireland but Declan Kidney's men will be kicking themselves after pushing the World Cup holders to the limit last Saturday.

With just one draw to their name throughout their 26 meetings, the All Blacks very nearly surrendered their unbeaten record to Ireland on Saturday only for Dan Carter to hit a late drop-goal and secure a 22-19 win. The draw came back in 1973 when a side featuring legendary figures such as Tom Kiernan, Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride and Fergus Slattery earned themselves a 10-10 draw with the Kiwis at Lansdowne Road.

Ireland have pushed the All Blacks close in the past and came close to a maiden win. Ireland gave the New Zealanders an almighty fright in Dunedin in 1992 only to come out on the wrong end of a 24-21 scoreline, and they raced into a 21-7 lead at Lansdowne Road in 2001 before capitulating in the final half hour, allowing the Kiwis to ultimately cruise to a 40-29 victory.

Saturday's clash at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton will be the second time the All Blacks have faced Ireland there. The pair met back in 2006 with New Zealand prevailing 34-23.

Ireland v New Zealand All-time record: Played: 26, New Zealand won 25, Ireland won 0, drawn 1.

Biggest winning margin: NZ: 53, 59-6 at Athletic Park, 1992; Ire: N/A

Highest score: NZ: 66 (66-28) at Yarrow Stadium, 2010, Ire: 29 (29-40) at Lansdowne Road, 2001;

Most tries: NZ: 11 (59-6) at Athletic Park, 1992; Ire: 4 (28-66) at Yarrow Stadium, 2010.

Longest winning sequence: NZ: 20 (1974-present). Ire: N/A

Most points (individual): NZ: Dan Carter 87; Ire: Ronan O'Gara 38

Most tries (individual): NZ: 5 Doug Howlett and Frank Bunce; Ire: 3 Brian O'Driscoll

Most points in a Test: NZ: 33 Andrew Mehrtens at Lansdowne Road, 1997; Ire: 14 David Humphreys at Lansdowne Road, 2001.

Most tries in a Test: NZ: 3 Julian Sevea v Ireland, 2012; Ire: 2 Keith Wood and Vince Cunningham

  • Click here for New Zealand's full Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click here for Ireland's full Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click here for a record of all New Zealand v Ireland matches courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click here for New Zealand's record at Hamilton courtesy of Statsguru

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