25 Jun 2012

All Blacks complete series sweep over Ireland

12:18 pm on 25 June 2012

The All Blacks completed a record-breaking 60-nil thrashing of Ireland in the third and final test match in Hamilton Saturday night to complete a series sweep.

The All Blacks, who narrowly beat Ireland in the second test, scored nine tries including two each to Sam Cane and Sonny Bill Williams.

Ben Smith, Hosea Gear, Israel Dagg, Liam Messam and Adam Thomson also scored as the world champions recorded their largest winning margin against Ireland.

The previous largest margin was 53 points, when the All Blacks won 59-6 in 1992.

It was the third time in their 27 tests that the All Blacks have held Ireland scoreless.

The Taranaki first five Beauden Barrett made his test debut when he replaced Aaron Cruden who came off with an achilles injury in the first half.

The Canterbury lock Luke Romano also made his test debut.