NICK CAIN
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Ireland have become the green giants of the game after doing what no home unions nation, or Lions team since 1971, has achieved, by beating New Zealand in a series on their own turf.
That the Irish 2-1 series victory was achieved in style, following a resounding 33-22 win in the decider, was all the more satisfying. What also made it stand out as the brightest of World Cup beacons is that it was achieved despite Leinster players – who provided 11 of the starting line-up for the final Test – having to pick themselves of the canvas after being be...