Heaslip up

Before Ireland could take on and beat New Zealand there was another battle to be fought - the mind game. Failure to win any of the 28 previous Tests had naturally taken a collective psychological toll. There were a long list of reasons why Ireland were not going to, and could not win in Chicago. Injuries, withdrawals, a short run-in, an inexperienced bench, an out-half short of match-fitness, an opposition on a record run. Joe Schmidt’s men had no chance.

Ireland’s Jordi Murphy will be out of action for between six and nine months after damaging the ACL in his left knee, team manager Mick Kearney confirmed today. The Leinster flanker suffered the injury during Saturday’s victory over New Zealand in Chicago. Kearney confirmed that Johnny Sexton, who was replaced in the second half, is not an injury concern.

Ireland's Jamie Heaslip is among six nominees for the World Rugby player of the year award. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand), Dane Coles (New Zealand), Owen Farrell (England) Maro Itoje (England) and Billy Vunipola (England) are also on the list. The Ireland vice-captain is the oldest – he turns 33 next month – and most capped of the six nominees, having reached 94 tests for Ireland and the Lions in what is his tenth season as an international player.