All Blacks vs Ireland: Commentator Michael Corcoran hails 'sensational' Ireland's self-belief in All Blacks win

Irish rugby commentator Michael Corcoran has hailed the team's self-belief as the reason they were able to beat the All Blacks on Sunday (NZT) in Dublin.

Ireland hung on to beat the world champions 16-9 in what was a clinical defensive display from the hosts.

It was the second time in history they have beaten the All Blacks, after a 40-29 win in Chicago in 2016.

Corcoran told RadioLIVE's Sunday Sports that game played a huge psychological role in earning Ireland victory on Sunday.

"If it wasn't for their win in Chicago, then I don't think they would have the self-belief to have beaten them this morning," he said.

"They have the belief to look the All Blacks in the eye and go toe to toe with them."

Corcoran also heaped praise on Andy Farrell, Ireland's defensive coach.

"He has his players believing in a system," he said.

"They were defensively aggressive all game, and got in the face of the All Blacks. To hold New Zealand to nine points and no tries is a sensational performance."

In fact, the last time a team held the All Blacks try-less and to less than 10 points was back in 1998, against South Africa in Wellington - a game they lost 13-3.

Sunday Sport with Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes
Sunday Sport with Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes

He said what's followed the win in Chicago has been special for the Six Nations champions.

"If you look at what they've done since - winning the Grand Slam, clinching that by beating England at Twickenham - what has been missing in Irish performances in the past is a win against a world class team like New Zealand.

"To me, they are always the team you measure yourself against."

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