New Zealand 21-11 Ireland

By Nick Pattison, sundaymirror.co.uk 8/06/2008

New Zealand v France (Getty Images)

Frustrated Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll was left lamenting what might have been after his side pushed the All Blacks all the way.

The Irish battled hard in atrocious conditions but have now lost 20 of their 21 meetings, with one draw.

The All Blacks led 14-11 with 16 minutes remaining before fly-half Daniel Carter turned the match with a superb break to create the chance for Ma'a Nonu to burst through and touch down.

O'Driscoll said: "We have come so close again but we don't seem to be able to finish these games.

"It's disappointing to have pushed it as hard as we did with the intensity we had and then to slip up with that one break and be punished for it."

With both packs hammering each other, the sides were locked at 8-8 at half-time after tries by All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ireland centre Paddy Wallace plus a penalty apiece to Carter and Ronan O'Gara.

Carter and O'Gara swapped penalties early in the second half before the All Blacks star kicked his third and then set up Nonu's try, which he converted to give his side a crucial 10-point lead.

Ireland caretaker coach Michael Bradley felt his side might have put the game beyond doubt earlier.

He said: "We had two great chances to score but the bounce denied us. A try then would been enough to carry us for the rest of the game and get us that first win over New Zealand."

New Zealand Tries: Sivivatu, Nonu. Cons: Carter. Pens: Carter 3.

Ireland Tries: P. Wallace. Pens: O'Gara 2