DUBLIN, Ireland -- Irish fans will be familiar with the script that unfolded at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.Their team worked tirelessly for 80 minutes, but just as it looked as though they would find a way through the All Blacks defence, a hammer blow was struck at the other end. Normal service was resumed.New Zealand were made to graft for this win. Faced by a vociferous crowd, and a determined opponent, this victory will be remembered as much for the 144 tackles made by those wearing black as for the finesse added by fly-half Beauden Barrett.It was Barrett who picked off Ireland when the opportunity arose, with the timing of a world champion boxer. He set up his teams first try and scored the second - naturally, he also had a hand in the third.But this was a performance built on resilience and character. The All Blacks lost a wealth of experience following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but the current incarnation are proving just as daunting an opponent in only their first year together.This could well become an important result in the evolution of a record-breaking side.Two weeks ago this team suffered their first loss, that created a bit of adversity, coach Steve Hansen admitted after their Dublin win. Today was all about seeing how theyd stand up to that. So, to come out on top 21-9, three tries to none and defend for long periods of the game, I think they answered a lot of questions re their character.?While it wasnt always pretty I think theres plenty for us to learn and get better on. To be at this point of the year, after losing 818 caps, youve got to be reasonably happy. Pretty good year so far.A pretty good year is obviously a sizeable understatement for a team who prior to stepping on the pitch in Chicago had set a new benchmark for consecutive Test wins. But it is telling that Hansen believes they can still get better.The All Blacks performance in Dublin was far from perfect. They conceded 66 percent possession and 69 percent territory, and the pressure that Ireland were able to exert was highlighted by the fact that they had to play a quarter of this match with 14 men as Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa saw yellow.But it is in adversity that the size of someones heart can be measured.We had to defend, All Blacks captain Kieran Read said. As Steve said the character of the men really showed up. The way we defended, we had to work bloody hard.After 15 minutes it had seemed that they wouldnt have to work all that hard. In defence anyway. The determination of those wearing green in the stands of the Aviva Stadium to witness yet more history was palpable.We are now used to seeing players running out amid the crescendo of fireworks, of course, but this seemed a little different. There was a collective will to ensure that the result in Chicago would not prove a one-off.Unfortunately, for the majority of the 51,000 fans in attendance, there was an equally powerful assertion from the All Blacks that Ireland would not become only the second team in 10 years to secure back-to-back wins against them.After an early Irish surge, the crowd fell silent as Barrett drilled a cross-field kick into the grateful arms of Fekitoa to score the games opening try. Just over 10 minutes later, he had added a second himself following consultation with the TMO.There was consternation from the home support, but while Barretts try was still being debated as they departed into the night, the All Blacks first score was the beautiful result of some hard work on the training pitch.Our kicking game was better, Hansen said. Although it wasnt as great as wed like it to be. To win big Test matches, particularly against sides who are good defending sides, youve got to be able to kick the ball to space, youve got to be able to pass it there or run it there. Its as simple as that.Simple it definitely wasnt but New Zealand have proven that any talk of their demise was greatly exaggerated. France will find out next weekend exactly how much they learned from this bruising Test match. Wilbert Montgomery Jersey . On June 12, just as the sun sets on the magnificent historical city of Sao Paulo the inventors, innovators and purveyors of “joga bonitowill” open their campaign. The opponent, Croatia and all its football might and will. As opposites do attract we are set for a corker of an opener. 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Many Sydney and Western Bulldogs players would have endured a sleepless night prior to the AFL grand final but thats nothing new for Jeremy Laidler and Fletcher Roberts.Laidler and Roberts started the week knowing they were at risk of being dropped at the worst possible time of the year.Laidler was called up for Sydneys knock-out finals against Adelaide and Geelong.But the 27-year-old was aware he could easily be squeezed out of their side if Jarrad McVeigh and Callum Mills proved their fitness for Saturdays season decider.I had a few sleepless nights earlier in the week, Laidler said, having been an emergency for Sydney in the 2014 grand final.I was a little bit nervous but its obviously out of my control who the coaches pick.I knew Id put two good games together and I just stayed positive throughout the whole week ... John Longmire told me I was playing after training on Wednesday. He couldnt wipe the small off my face.Roberts was in a similar boat. The defender was dropped in week one of the finals but returned at the expense of Matt Suckling (achilles) in the Bulldogs epic preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.Roberts performed admirably but Suckling was every chance of claiming his place in the team.I was a little bit nervous earlier in the wweek.dddddddddddd Now Im a bit more relaxed, Roberts said.It was obviously a bit nerve-racking but I just tried to focus on recovery and making sure I trained as well as I could.Im very happy to be part of an AFL grand final with such a great group of boys.Both defenders will be contesting their first AFL grand final but Laidler can call on 2014 as motivation.I was able to experience the parade and all the commotion, he said.Being an emergency and the team losing, they were both massive drivers. I always wanted to get back here.Weve all got stories, both teams, but now we just have to prepare for a big game.Former Geelong and Carlton defender Laidler admits his career was at the crossroads in 2013, when he was delisted by the Blues.I was up in the air and didnt know where my career was going, he said.I always had the faith that I could play at the highest level but I just needed the opportunity and the Swans gave me that career lifeline.My partner and I moved up to Sydney and didnt know anyone and the Swans couldnt have been more welcoming.They really take you under their wing .. Ive never seen anything like it at any other club. ' ' '