The gap is closing between Ireland and the All Blacks.

Ireland have undoubtably closed the gap on the All Blacks since their 60-0 drubbing in Hamilton and a comprehensive 3-0 series defeat on their tour of New Zealand. We take a look at the last 3 games which have closed the gap between Ireland and New Zealand.

Ireland 22-24 New Zealand - Aviva Stadium, Dublin - 2013

The game of 2013, Ireland raced into a 22-7 lead at half time and were on course for their first ever victory over the All Blacks. But late drama saw a Ryan Crotty try in the final play tie the game up and a re-taken Aaron Cruden conversion cause heartache for Ireland. The All Blacks recorded their 14th win in 2013 and became the first team to win all their tests in a calendar year, while Ireland were made to think of what might have been.

Ireland 40-29 New Zealand - Solider Field, Chicago - 2016

History. Ireland had finally beaten the All Blacks after 28 failed attempts and 111 years. A phenomenal Irish performance halted the All Blacks 18 match winning run and a 5 star, 5 try performance from Ireland went down in history.

Ireland 9-21 New Zealand - Aviva Stadium, Dublin - 2016

Reeling from their first ever defeat from Ireland, the All Blacks travelled to Dublin 2 weeks later wounded and inflicted a furious game plan where they looked to physically oust the home side. Despite being down to 13 men briefly in the first half, New Zealand came away with a hard fought injury, writing the wrong of Chicago 2 weeks earlier.