Ireland have proved their credentials as true contenders to the All Blacks' reign atop the world rugby mountain, with a 16-9 win at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
A rattled New Zealand could never get into the game, and when they did have periods of possession the mistakes would come or the ball would be aimlessly kicked away.
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Ireland scored the test's only try - an absolute gem from left wing Jacob Stockdale. The sensational 22-year-old capitalised on a smart set-play from a lineout on halfway.
Former Chiefs midfielder Bundee Aki switched play putting Stockdale in space, he chipped over the defensive line then beat Aaron Smith to the ball, crashing over for the solo effort early in the second spell.
The All Blacks started well enough, spending the first five minutes entrenched in the Irish 22, but the home side's defence was on point - a theme of the test - and New Zealand came away without reward.
A lopsided penalty count in Ireland's favour gifted first-five Jonny Sexton nine first-half points, while Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty and added a drop goal, giving Ireland a 9-6 half-time lead.
Stockdale's 49th minute try extended the Irish lead to a deserved 10-points which finally ignited the All Blacks into action, however, sloppy handling and wayward kicking prevented any solid periods of New Zealand pressure.
Barrett closed the gap to a converted try after a well-taken penalty from close to halfway and when replacement Irish halfback Luke McGrath kicked the ball back to the visitors with two minutes left, the memories of 2013 when the All Blacks scored in added on time to break Irish hearts came flooding back.
There would be no repeat this time however despite the All Blacks marching 60 metres upfield. On the 19th phase, Brodie Retallick coughed up possession just outside Ireland's 22 and the match was gone.
The All Blacks discipline was poor throughout, influenced by crushing pressure from an outstanding Ireland side that was superbly organised on defence and relatively mistake-free with ball in hand for long periods.
Coming just two years after claiming their first scalp against New Zealand in Chicago, Joe Schmidt's side can rightly claim they are legitimate contenders for a first World Cup crown in less than 12-months' time.
No.8 CJ Stander hailed a huge defensive effort as Ireland claimed their first win over New Zealand on home soil.
"We always pride ourselves in attack but today our defence was unreal," Stander said.
"To keep them scoreless in tries was unbelievable. The boys really stood up."
Flanker Peter O'Mahony was a standout for the Irish, dominating the breakdown, busting tackles and stifling waves of All Black attacks.
For New Zealand, Damian McKenzie was solid until replaced with 20-minutes remaining while Ardie Savea was far and away the best on display in a black jersey, winning three turnovers and providing impact with the ball.
The All Blacks head to Rome next weekend to play Italy in their final test of the year while the Irish host the USA.
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