Five times Joe Schmidt's made history as Ireland coach
There will undoubtedly be a sadness amid the inevitably for Ireland supporters following the news that Joe Schmidt will depart his role as head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
It was hardly a surprise when the story broke that the New Zealander's stint will end at six and a half years after the tournament in Japan given Schmidt himself had indicated as much following Saturday's hammering of the United States.
Just as good things come to those who wait, all good things must come an end, and under Schmidt Ireland's achievements have been among the best in their history.
With that in mind, we have picked out five of the best moments under Schmidt's stewardship.
HISTORIC FIRST WIN OVER SPRINGBOKS ON SOUTH AFRICAN SOIL
Ireland had never celebrated victory against the Springboks on South African soil until a stoic display in June 2016 when, despite having CJ Stander sent off in the 23rd minute, Schmidt's men earned a historic 26-20 victory in Cape Town. Ireland went on to lose the series 2-1, but it remains a win that ranks high among their greatest achievements.
ALL BLACKS BEATEN AFTER 111-YEAR WAIT
In a period spanning 111 years and 28 attempts, Ireland had tried and failed to beat the fearsome All Blacks. But all that changed on a fateful day in Chicago in November 2016 as, at the 29th attempt, Ireland put one over New Zealand in a 40-29 triumph at Soldier Field. Jordi Murphy, Stander, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo all scored tries in the famous triumph that ended New Zealand's record run of victories for a top-tiered nation at 18. Two years later, Ireland defeated the All Blacks for the first time on home soil.
Watch: Joe Schmidt hinted at his history future on Sunday.
ENGLAND'S SLAM HOPES DASHED IN DUBLIN
Just four months later and an England side revitalised under Eddie Jones had equalled the All Blacks' run of 18 wins and were seeking a second consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam under the Australian. But Schmidt and his side gutted out a 13-9 win in Dublin with a textbook display of physicality to destroy England's dreams.
BEATING ALL COMERS AT THE SIX NATIONS
A year later and Irish eyes were smiling on St Patrick's Day against England again, only this time the venue was Twickenham. Jones' men were aiming for revenge by denying Ireland the Grand Slam, but in a thrilling encounter it was the visitors that took the glory in a 24-15 triumph – tries from Garry Ringrose, Stander and Jacob Stockdale opening up a 21-5 first-half lead that would never be relinquished.
A SERIES WIN DOWN UNDER AFTER 39 YEARS
It had been 39 years since Ireland had last won a series in Australia but, as has been the case so often under Schmidt, history counted for little as Ireland ran out 20-16 victors for a first series win in Australia since 1979. It was sweet revenge for a side that had seen their best-ever run of 12 straight wins ended by the Wallabies in the opening game.
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I like to see the Crusaders lose as much as the next non-Crusaders fan, but the fact that most of their best players have not been available this year is being hand waved away like it shouldn’t effect them. It’s no coincidence that their first dominant performance came when they had more of their best players back. This is not rocket science. If they can stay fit their team at the business end of the season will include Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Ethan Blackadder and Cullen Grace in the forwards - most of whom have barely, or not played this year. That is an outstanding pack that have not played together this season. McLeod, Havili, Aumua, Reece, and Halfpenny will be a very different prospect behind their first choice pack as well. Having said all that Penney’s record is scratchy at best, but given the players that have left and their injury list I’m reserving judgement. Penney’s appointment, a bit like Foz, has a similar stench of the incumbent having too much say in his replacement. They are lacking a truly high quality and experienced 10 which will make it hard for them to go the whole way IMO, but the list of teams who would want to play them in the finals will be very short.
Go to commentsWhere’s this people's champion come from? Irish people yes….other people? Their arrogance has become breathtaking. Not tested? Oh dear.
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