7 Most Dramatic Finishes In Rugby Union History

2013 may well be a year the Irish would like to forget when it comes to international Rugby.

Finishing 5th place in that year's Six Nations tournament, their lowest position since 1999, Ireland's campaign included a draw against wooden spoon winners, France and their first ever and only loss to Italy in the Championship.

Fast forward to the November tests, they got back to winning ways with a 40-9 victory over Samoa after a second half surge but were unable to follow up, losing to the Wallabies, 15-32 in a disappointing performance.

The following week, Ireland were set to face the world champions at that time, New Zealand. A side they had never beaten in 27 meetings and 98 years. The closest result being a 10-10 draw at Lansdowne Road in 1973.

The All Blacks were dominant, having won all 13 of their matches so far that year. A victory over the men in green would make them 14 from 14, and the first international team to win all of their matches in a calendar year in the professional era.

Wanting to right the wrongs and with all the pressure on New Zealand, Ireland began positively, opting to run out of their half from the kick off and proceeding to win a penalty in the opening minute.

Ireland found themselves in a good attacking position with a scrum in the opposition 22 in the 4th minute. After a series of strong carries, getting close to the line, Scrum Half Conor Murray sniped around a ruck to dive over for the game's first try, after deliberation from the TMO.

The solid start became the perfect quarter, with further tries from Hooker, Rory Best and Full Back Rob Kearney, giving the Irish a 19-0 lead after 20 minutes.

New Zealand refused to say die however, demonstrating why they were the No.1 side in the world. Clawing their way back with tries from Winger, Julian Savea and Prop, Ben Franks and points from the boot of Fly Half, Aaron Cruden.

The final 15 minutes remained 22-17 with Ireland set to cause a huge upset and defeat the All Blacks for the first time. With 40 seconds to go, the Irish just had to keep possession but were penalised for sealing off.

Then, the All Blacks struck, running the ball from their own 10m line. What followed was 10+ phases of New Zealand attack towards Ireland's try line. The clock was red for well over a minute before replacement Centre, Ryan Crotty, crossed over in the left corner to make it 22-22, breaking the international record and breaking Irish hearts.

Cruden would go on to miss the tricky conversation, giving Ireland some consolation but there was to be none of that either. Referee, Nigel Owens, ordered the kick to be taken again after the home side charged too early. Cruden wouldn't miss on this occasion, making the final score 22-24 to the world champions.

New Zealand retained the Rugby World Cup title two years later. As for Ireland, they wouldn't have to wait long to get their first victory over New Zealand, defeating them at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2016, 40-29.