This was published 1 year ago
What a test match that was, Ireland will certainly have regrets about not taking advantage of two yellow cards but the All Blacks can never ever be written off and will look forward to facing Argentina next week after this brilliant performance.
They have every chance to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. The celebrations for All Blacks fans will extend long into Sunday.
Will Jordan and Aaron Smith of New Zealand celebrate following the team’s victory.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m unbelievably proud of the players tonight and all the staff. That was one hell of a game, and someone had to lose and unfortunately for us, it was us. It was fine margins. I was so proud of the way we kept attacking, but sport can be cruel sometimes, but that’s why we love it.”
“We’re absolutely stoked, it was a crazy test match, it was an arm wrestle for 83, 84 minutes. A lot of credit has to go to Ireland, they’ve set the standard for world rugby in the last number of years. What an atmosphere, what a game, what a tournament. I’m just so happy we’ve got another week.”
The All Blacks will now face Argentina in a semi-final, can they win the World Cup for the first time since 2015?
Sexton’s decorated career is over for Ireland.
At 38, he tried to turn back the sands of time with a series of world-class performances during this World Cup.
He will sickened to go out in another quarter-final, but there is no shame in losing to a team like this All Blacks side.
Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, left, runs towards New Zealand’s Aaron Smith.Credit: AP
Under huge pressure from a final Irish onslaught, the All Blacks win a crucial turnover when it mattered most.
The Irish look completely stunned and their crowd is finally silenced. Ireland have still never gone beyond the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
The All Blacks will be extremely hard to stop now in this competition.
New Zealand 28-24 Ireland.
Will Jordan and Aaron Smith of New Zealand celebrate following the team’s victory.Credit: Getty Images
Ireland are throwing their last efforts at this fatigued All Blacks defence but its holding firm.
It is truly do or die for Ireland here.
Only a try will do for the Irish.
Ireland have never been beyond a quarter final and it looks like this curse will continue.
The All Blacks have been calm and clinical even when in adversity.
Ireland will need to pull something special out of the bag here to win this.
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 14: Hugo Keenan of Ireland wins the ball as Jordie Barrett of New Zealand falls to the ground during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stade de France on October 14, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)Credit: Getty
Jordie Barrett somehow holds up a certain Irish try between his legs over the line.
Key moment in the game.
Caelan Doris knocks on a kick from Ireland and the All Blacks breath a sigh of relief.
Ireland have not taken advantage of the fact New Zealand have been a man down whatsoever.