There was a time when New Zealand were the most feared team anywhere in sport, never mind rugby.

Prior to 2016, Ireland had a dismal record against the all-conquering All Blacks. Since their first meeting in 1905, they have suffered 27 defeats and one draw.

Ireland have chipped away at the All Blacks’ armoury, and they go into Saturday’s quarterfinal with hope as well as a realistic chance of beating them.

When you stepped out against New Zealand and the Haka took place, it almost felt like you were already down on the scoreboard before you even kicked a ball.

While Ireland came close to taking that breakthrough win in 2013 before Ryan Crotty’s last-gasp try, overcoming New Zealand was a mountain they could never climb.

There was something different about the November 2016 match at Soldier Field in Chicago – the same weekend the Cubs won the World Series.

Anthony Foley, a former international and Munster head coach who died suddenly a month ago, appeared to fuel the Irish effort from the start. Ireland lined up in the shape of a number eight, the jersey worn with distinction by Foley for many years, while their opponents performed their traditional pre-match haka.

Joe Schmidt’s side led 25-8 at halftime after tries from Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander, and Conor Murray, and then Simon Zebo scored the fourth try of the game.

World champions fought back to within four points, but Robbie Henshaw’s late score sealed victory. After 111 years, Ireland finally accomplished its goal.