Ireland continue preparations for New Zealand clash
Ireland have been knocked out of the World Cup following a 28-24 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand at Stade de France.
The momentum of a tight match shifted in Ireland’s favour in the second half when they were awarded a penalty try after Codie Taylor collapsed a maul, bringing themselves back to within a point and their cause was further boosted when the All Blacks hooker was sin-binned for his infringement.
But 14-man New Zealand opened up a four-point cushion five minutes later when Jordie Barrett – who had missed a long-range attempt moments later – kicked a penalty from the 40-metre line.
Ireland, who had been playing catch-up for the majority of an exhilarating encounter, were unable to find the try they needed in the closing stages as the All Blacks held on to seal a 28-24 win and set up a last-four meeting with Argentina next Friday.
Follow all the reaction from Paris below, get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds here.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton
“I’m very proud of the boys, the nation, the country. We couldn’t have done any more really. We got over the line towards the end [but couldn’t get the try]. We felt like they suckerpunched us for some of their tries and we had to work hard for our opportunities. But that’s what great champions do.”
On retiring: “It’s been amazing, these last six weeks have been a dream. This group, these fans, and I’m just gutted we couldn’t do it for them. You’ve got to work for fairytale endings, and we didn’t get it. That’s life. We didn’t leave any stone unturned. We trained the house down. Fair play to the All Blacks, they’re a very good team.”
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:30
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster
“They’re an incredibly proud team with an incredible record coming into this one,” he says of Ireland. “But we’ve been here before. It’s knockout rugby. I thought our defence was particularly strong most of the game, we held out well.”
On facing Argentina in the semi-finals: “It’s a cliche but it’s one week at a time. This game has been talked about for 12 months, everyone knew the two quarter-finals on our side of the draw would be monsters, I’m sure the game tomorrow night will be.”
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:24
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
How it all finished at the Stade de France:
Ireland’s players react to the final whistle
(AFP via Getty Images)
Johnny Sexton walks away at full-time
(AP)
All Blacks applaud the fans in Paris
(Reuters)
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:20
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
Brian O’Driscoll pinpoints Sexton’s missed kick in the second half – a very makeable one – as the moment the fly-half will look back on with regret. Had he made it then Ireland might have been chasing a penalty or a drop-goal in the final throes, rather than a try. “You never blame kickers but that’s the moment, knowing Johnny, he’ll look back and think about.”
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:12
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
Johnny Sexton finished the game furious with someone, or something, though it was hard to tell exactly who or what. Now he is lapping the pitch applauding fans with tears in his eyes. A hard way to end his spectacular career, but he and his team gave it everything tonight.
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:07
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
The faces of the Irish players are full of anguish, because they know that was such a huge a chance missed. Had Jordie Barrett not held the ball up over the try line in the final 10 minutes, Ireland surely would have won the match.
“A big testatment to the Irish team, they’ve set the standard this year,” says Ardie Savea, the player of the match. “Sending big love to them. I’m just so proud of my boys.”
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:03
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
So it will be New Zealand v Argentina in the first semi-final, next Friday. For Ireland, the dream is over for another four years.
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 22:00
Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
Sean Fitzpatrick on ITV: “I’m lost for words. I knew the All Blacks had a game in them, but the way they delivered and put pressure on Ireland, that was the difference.”
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 21:55
Full-time! Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
Finally, finally, referee Wayne Barnes gives New Zealand a penalty after an Irish ball-carrier holds on too long. Everybody sinks to their knees, Ireland in devastation, New Zealand in relief. It’s all over.
The referee blows the full-time whistle
(AFP via Getty Images)
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 21:52
Ireland 24-28 New Zealand
80 min: In to overtime. Thirty phases now, Ireland still trying to break through, New Zealand still defending with incredible discipline. Finally Ireland breach the 22…
Lawrence Ostlere14 October 2023 21:50