In a thrilling encounter at Stade de France, New Zealand emerged victorious, fending off a late surge from Ireland to win 28-24 in a closely fought quarter-final clash on Saturday. This marked Ireland’s eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat, leaving them with a heart-wrenching loss.
The game witnessed a rapid start as Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try swiftly propelled the All Blacks to a 13-0 lead. However, Ireland fought back with center Bundee Aki’s skillful maneuver, and Ardie Savea’s response kept New Zealand ahead. Despite a valiant effort, Jamison Gibson-Park’s try, coupled with Aaron Smith’s sin-bin, brought Ireland within striking distance at 18-17 by halftime.
The second half intensified with Will Jordan securing his fifth try of the tournament, only for Ireland to retaliate with a penalty try, and Codie Taylor also receiving a yellow card. However, Jordie Barrett’s crucial penalty kick and a resilient defensive stance in the closing minutes enabled New Zealand to weather the storm and set up a tantalizing semi-final clash with Argentina at Stade de France on Friday, 20 October.
Ardie Savea, named the Mastercard Player of the Match, expressed his pride in the team’s perseverance, stating, “There was a lot riding on this week. It was one of those test matches that was a battle. To go out there and play against a world-class Irish squad, we gave the fans what they wanted. This Irish team has set the standard this whole year. I just want to send love to them. I am just so proud of my boys.”
Captain Sam Cane echoed the sentiment, expressing his delight in reaching the semi-finals for the ninth time in ten tournaments. He praised the exceptional defensive efforts and the team’s ability to withstand Ireland’s relentless onslaught, emphasizing the spirit and determination that defined their performance.
Head coach Ian Foster lauded his team’s exceptional display, hailing their disciplined and composed approach in the face of a resilient Irish challenge. He emphasized the significance of their defensive resilience, particularly during the critical moments of the match, as they effectively neutralized Ireland’s attacking threats.
Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell acknowledged the intense battle, expressing immense pride in his team despite falling short. He recognized the cruel nature of sports and commended his team’s relentless attacking spirit until the very end, showcasing the character and determination that epitomized their performance.
In a bittersweet moment, the 38-year-old Irish captain Johnny Sexton bid farewell to the sport, acknowledging his team’s efforts and expressing his gratitude for the unforgettable journey. Reflecting on the match, he lauded the champion spirit of the New Zealand team while expressing his regret at falling just short in the closely contested battle.
