Ireland captain Rory Best insisted his side’s victory over New Zealand in Chicago had been a ‘long time coming’ after they ran out 40-29 winner.
It’s the first time in their history that the Ireland senior men’s team have got the better of the All Blacks, at the 29th time of asking and after 111 years of trying.
Joe Schmidt's men outscored New Zealand by five tries to four en route to the victory, with Rory Best, CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Robbie Henshaw all going over at Soldier Field.
Afterwards Best revealed that Ireland knew they would have to attack throughout to have any chance of victory and so it proved to be.
“We just talked about attacking New Zealand,” he said. “We know they’re a great side and you can see how good a side they are.
“You can see how much it means to our boys, but we just knew we had to go out and attack them.
“If you give them ball and stand off them they are an unbelievably dangerous outfit.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the work we put in. It hasn’t just been the last week or couple of weeks. It’s been a long time coming and it’s history made.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic with a marvellous performance from us.”
Best also paid tribute to travelling Irish support and on a week when the Chicago Cubs ended a 108 year wait for the Baseball World Series, the Irish skipper believes that his side have made their mark in the Windy City.
“I have to say a massive thank you to the support, it’s been unbelievable.
“It almost felt like a home game to us and I suppose now we’re going to have to dye the river green.”
Try scorer Rob Kearney echoed his captain's comments and added that this win was for everyone who had ever pulled on the green jersey to line out against New Zealand.
"It's an awesome day for the Irish, not just for this team but the 28 teams that have gone before us. We've been waiting a long time to beat the All Blacks and it's such a difficult feat.
"I think we deserved it and after the Cubs, there's was something in the air in Chicago."
