ALL BLACKS WIN 1st TEST:

New Zealand retained their clean sheet against Ireland, recording a 34-23 victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. It was a late surge, 13 points in the last 10 minutes, which saw the All Blacks home in this tightly contested encounter.

The Kiwis outscored the Irish by three tries to two to ensure they retain the record of having never lost to the men from the Emerald Isle.

It wasn't the most convincing of wins, but as captain Richie McCaw said afterwards, the All Blacks stuck at it after conceded an early lead and in the end got through.

But what a great match! What drama, what tension, what skill! It was wonderful entertainment and it nearly contained an upset. Upsets are always fun if you are not the people being upset.

June is bursting out all over in rugby Tests. If this is the sunburst that is to come it is going to be a wonderful June.

If you had watched just the first eight minutes of the match, you would have left it thinking it was a runaway victory for New Zealand. If you had next tuned in at half-time you would have been in shocked disbelief when you saw that Ireland were leading 16-8.

The turning point in the game was Troy Flavells try. Behind by a point, the spirited Irish looked for a winning try. Geordan Murphy counter-attacked brilliantly from just outside his 22 and set O'Driscoll running. They seemed to have put the Irish on the way to scoring a try when somehow McAlister intercepted a pass from O'Connell and the attack went New Zealand's way. Trimble got back and saved bravely and the Irish won a defensive ruck. Stringer, still searching for a winner, chipped. The ball bounced awkwardly. O'Connell got a hand to it but managed only to tip the ball into the path of steaming Nonu to thump off Stringer and feed replacement Troy Flavell. The big lock celebrated his return to All Black duty.

It was just excitment from start to finish. The big question is, can the Irish front up again for the 2nd Test? Lets hope saw, it just makes for a great series, i for one can't wait. Bring it on!!!!

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries: Howlett, Muliaina, Flavell
Cons: McAlister 2
Pens: McAlister 5

For Ireland:
Tries: O'Dricoll, Trimble
Cons: O'Gara 2
Pens: O'Gara 3