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Ireland 24-28 New Zealand: All Blacks break Irish hearts and set up Argentina semi-final

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand: All Blacks break Irish hearts and set up Argentina semi-final

By Alipate Narawa
15/10/2023
Image: RTE

Ireland's World Cup dream was ended by New Zealand for the second tournament in a row as the All Blacks deservedly beat their rivals in Paris to set up a semi-final against Argentina.

As the world's top-ranked team, Ireland were fancied to claim another statement win but Andy Farrell's side failed to break their quarter-final curse on another heartbreaking night against the All Blacks in the World Cup.

Defeat also brings the curtain down on the career of Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who cut a dejected figure at full-time as the agony of one last knockout defeat took over.

New Zealand, however, remain on course for a fourth title as tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea and Will Jordan helped them set up a last-four meeting with the Pumas at Stade de France on Friday.

Ireland's tries came through New Zealand-born players Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park, and a penalty try, but there was to be no dramatic late comeback despite being roared on by an Irish-heavy crowd in Paris.

New Zealand had two players - Aaron Smith and Codie Taylor - yellow carded but Ian Foster's side were able to withstand pressure and exact revenge after losing last year's Test series to the Irish on home soil.

It was another absorbing entry into this great rivalry, and while Ireland pushed for a match-winning try right to the end, it was the New Zealand players with their arms in the air at full-time as those in green collapsed to the pitch in devastation.

Defeat ends both Ireland's 17-match winning run and their hopes of emulating England's 2003 team by winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and World Cup double.

FNRL
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