Rugby: Sir Clive Woodward takes shot at All Blacks

Former England rugby head coach Sir Clive Woodward. Photo / Getty

Sir Clive Woodward has taken another shot at the All Blacks after their 40-29 defeat to Ireland this morning.

The failed 2005 British and Irish Lions coach said the result confirmed the All Blacks are "getting carried away with their own publicity".

While the back-biting could start soon, most New Zealanders enjoyed watching the Irish reaction to the slaying of their rugby nemesis.

Social media showed its humourous side throughout the game and afterwards.

@SecondCaptains Nobody beats Ireland 29 times in a row!!!

— Gary Timothy (@GaryTimothy1986) November 5, 2016

Nervous Irish fans who couldn't believe their side was on the cusp of such a famous victory also took to the Twittersphere to cope with their nerves in the dying stages.

The wave of anxiety swept across some of Ireland's major celebrities including leading novelist, playwright and rugby tragic Colm Tobin who posted a series of hilarious posts towards the end and immediately after the game.

If we are slightly ahead with a minute to go, you will find me in the garden sucking my thumb in the fetal position. #IREvNZL

— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) November 5, 2016

It's safe to say that this is the greatest chance we've ever had to beat the All Blacks since the last time we played them. #IREvNZL

— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) November 5, 2016

In the city of Chicago,
Where the evening shadows fall,
There are people dreaming,
HOLY LIVING SHIT WE BEAT THE ALL BLACKS!!!#IREvNZL

— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) November 5, 2016

Ireland's pre-match concerns about All Blacks try-scoring machine Julian Savea, who was playing his 50th test, also got the treatment with the Irish defence more than coping with the big Hurricanes winger.

Ireland dealing well with Savea #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/ErRv6MXxyK

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 5, 2016

The grace shown by All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith towards their Irish counterpart Joe Schmidt also drew praise from social media followers.