Scrum of the Earth /

The Irish players will be kicking themselves after running out of gas in the final 20 minutes to extend their 103 years of New Zealand torment.

Ma'a Nonu's 63rd minute try and three penalties from Dan Carter sealed victory in Wellington where Brian O'Driscoll called the conditions "the worst he's ever experienced."

Conrad Smith's incisive break and off-load to the electric wing Sitiveni Sivivatu got the scoreboard ticking along after Ronan O'Gara had nudged Ireland into the lead.

The All-Blacks were far from their free-flowing best with the emotions upon the final whistle displaying huge relief rather than elated content. It further highlights the unrest in the country with question marks remaining over Graham Henry's reappointment - England will be encouraged by their rustiness.

Paddy Wallace pierced through a gaping hole to give Ireland a deserved 8-5 lead but ill-discipline, most notably from Marcus Horan for a moment of madness when taking a swipe at John Schwalger, gifted opportunities for the clinical Carter to always keep Ireland within touching distance.