2023-10-14 23:15:00
Unbreathable, magical, exceptional… There is no shortage of adjectives at the end of this Ireland-New Zealand clash won by the All Blacks (24-28) at the Stade de France. In a boxing fight that will remain engraved in the history of the World Cup, the New Zealanders delivered a major performance to validate their ticket to the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. The first world nation, the XV of Clover, gives everything but doesn’t break his glass ceiling. Ian Foster’s men face Argentina in the semi-final.
Pain and tears. This is what we saw on the faces of the valiant Irish at the final whistle, the siren having already sounded for several minutes. After 38 minutes of play, and 5 minutes 15 minutes of pounding in the All Blacks’ 22m, Andy Farrell’s men conceded a final penalty. The most important and cruelest at the end of the suspense, on a scratch from the eternal Sam Whitelock who came to release his selection, whose level we still doubted a few weeks ago.
New Zealand’s joy against Ireland in the World Cup quarter-finals
Credit: Getty Images
A boxing match
These All Blacks, everyone must fear them. Authors of an XXL performance, Ian Foster’s men did everything. And it is first and foremost their victory rather than Ireland’s defeat. Ideally back in the match, also after an endless sequence facing the green wall, Sam Cane’s teammates took the lead thanks to the foot of Mo’unga (8th). Not the only shot from the opener, since it was he who launched a 30m ride on a combination before slipping an offering to Will Jordan (53rd) at the best moment for the Blacks.
Without a clear red thread, the meeting mainly boils down to a boxing match where the Irish and New Zealanders went blow for blow. Defensively, the Blacks were excellent at scratching and united against the endless attacks of their opponents. But there were also uppercuts coming from the attack, like the spectacular try on the wing of third row Ardie Savea (33rd), copying his winger Fainga’anuku (19th) a little earlier. On the Irish side, Bundee Aki (27th) on a double hook, then Gibson Park as a trickster (39th) came to showcase their individual talent to exploit the slightest flaws. A wink for these two natives of New Zealand.
Gibson-Park scores a try against the Blacks
Credit: Getty Images
The 64th minute was not the winning turning point for Ireland
Bold, like the numerous penalties chosen by the selection instead of taking points, the Irish never gave up. Determined returns from the locker room, they were the ones who regained possession of the ball. Domination rewarded by a penalty try on a group entering after a touch (64th), one of the only ways to break the black wall, but also by the yellow card of Codie Taylor. Everything suggested, 16 minutes from the end and one point behind their opponents (24-25), that Andy Farrell’s men had done the hardest part.
Instead, the All Blacks did it again to make people forget that they were one less. Taking advantage of the indisciplinarity linked to the fatigue of the world’s leading nation, Jordie Barrett’s teammates, precious on a last penalty (69th), took a little breather. Three minutes later, the center came back to slip his hand under the ball carried by Kelleher and therefore not awarded as a try. At the end, the All Blacks resisted, despite the Irish courage. An irresistible match and a more than symbolic victory for New Zealand. They arrive in the semi-final by knocking down those we thought were the best.
Is Ireland cursed?
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